Slash Lane
The company on Tuesday posted a new support document detailing the Apple Adapter Replacement Program, revealing that some customers have received notices referring to the program. As part of the resolution, Apple has referred customers to the website adaptersettlement.com, which gives details on a cash payment available to those who own a 60-watt or 85-watt MagSafe MPM-1 T-shaped Power Adapter.
The power adapter shipped with both MacBook and MacBook Pro models, and could also have been purchased separately. Over time, some of those adapters can show signs of "Strain Relief Damage," in which the internal wires can fray and become exposed.
Apple was hit with a class-action lawsuit related to its T-shaped MagSafe power adapters in 2009, asserting that the faulty connectors could trigger sparks and become a potential fire hazard. Another suit was filed a year ago claiming that Apple's "dangerous" MagSafe included with a 2007 MacBook Pro caused a major fire at a Connecticut home.
The new settlement applies to customers who may have purchased a replacement adapter within the first three years of owning their MacBook or MacBook Pro with the T-shaped MagSafe adapter.
A court must still approve the proposed settlement, but the website reveals that customers who bought a replacement adapter in the first year of owning the faulty MagSafe adapter could be entitled to a maximum of $79, while second-year purchases could receive $50, and third-year replacements could garner $35.
A MagSafe adapter cable whose sheath has melted, exposing the wire. | Image credits: Flickr user AriXr.
Those who bought their own replacement adapter and seek a settlement are limited to three refunds per computer. Apple defines "strain relief" as "a condition where the DC cable (the thin cord that attaches the MagSafe connector to the power adapter) separates from the end of the MagSafe connector or from the other end o the thin cord, at the power adapter."
Customers looking for more information about the settlement can also call 1-888-332-0277. Those who seek the cash payment will be provided with a detailed notice and claim form package.
For customers who may still have a T-shaped adapter that shows signs of damage, Apple also offers replacement adapters at no cost. Potential adapter replacements can be obtained through an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Apple Technical Support, or at an Apple Retail Store.
Wesley Hilliard
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
24 Comments
You get:
" First year: Amount paid for the Replacement Adapter (excluding sales tax and shipping/handling fees) not to exceed $79
Second year: $50
Third year: $35"
The lawyers get:
"Class Counsel will ask the Court for attorneys? fees and expenses of up to $3.1 million".
I bought the first Intel MBP in 2006 (actually received it a few days before the stores). After a couple of years the connection frayed beyond what a bit of electrical tape would repair. The local Apple Store replaced it for free, even though it was more than 2 years out.
How about the iPod/iPhone USB cord? Those things have a 1 year lifespan for those of us that constantly plug and unplug the things!
who or what the hell was chewing on the adapter in the photo?
I bought the first Intel MBP in 2006 (actually received it a few days before the stores). After a couple of years the connection frayed beyond what a bit of electrical tape would repair. The local Apple Store replaced it for free, even though it was more than 2 years out.
That happened to me as well. It did genuinely fail by itself as well - I'm not especially hard on my electronics.
The guy at the Apple store was great though. I'd actually gone in to buy a new one (since it was out of warranty, I just rote it off to bad luck), and they handed a replacement over free of charge. I was very happy.
It never occurred to me to call the lawyers, but there again, I'm not an arsehole.