Boom goes the Powerbook...or maybe not

July 27, 2005 10:48 AM

it-still-may-explode-but-i'll-take-my-chances-filter: I received my replacement Powerbook battery from Apple - Am I obligated to return the old one?

We all remember the Powerbook Battery recall a few months back. I'm still happily using my old battery. Am I under any real obligation to send it back to them? Or can I just promise to dispose of it myself ? I like the idea of having the spare battery.

posted by anonymous to computers & internet (9 comments total)

Did you give them or were you asked for a credit card number to arrange delivery of a new battery?

In my experience with warranty replacements, the credit card number is used to guarantee that you will return the old battery to Apple, using the same shipping materials used to send the new battery to you.

If you did not issue a CC number, you are probably under no obligation to return a (faulty, dangerous) battery.
posted by Rothko at 10:52 AM on July 27, 2005

Ethically? Yes. If the battery fails in a spectacular manner in the future, they may still be liable. Also, what if the battery eventually finds its way to someone who doesn't know about the defect? Returning the battery and allowing it to be recycled avoids these problems. In addition, a second battery adds value to your computer, which may prevent or delay your upgrading to a newer one, or purchasing a second, legitimate battery in the future.

If you didn't give them a credit card number, will they do anything about it? No.
posted by trevyn at 11:11 AM on July 27, 2005

If you did not issue a CC number, you are probably under no obligation to return a (faulty, dangerous) battery.

Likewise, FWIW, Apple's lawyers are under no obligation to pay damages to you if you stupidly use this old battery and hurt yourself in a battery fire or explosion.
posted by Rothko at 11:44 AM on July 27, 2005

about 11 months ago, i filled out the battery serial number on the apple website, filled in my address and a replacement battery came a week later. i didn't have to throw in a CC number.

your post was the first reminder that i never sent the old one back.
posted by sammich at 11:49 AM on July 27, 2005

I got a replacement battery for my iBook from Apple, and it said somewhere that I would be charged for it if I didn't send the old one back within two weeks or something like that, so I sent the old one back. However, this was in Germany; I don't know if it's any different in other countries. And no, I didn't have to provide a credit card number, I figured they would just send me an invoice if I failed to return the old battery.
posted by amf at 12:41 PM on July 27, 2005

Ethically? Yes. If the battery fails in a spectacular manner in the future, they may still be liable. Also, what if the battery eventually finds its way to someone who doesn't know about the defect? Returning the battery and allowing it to be recycled avoids these problems.

Easier ways to avoid these problems are: (1) don't sue Apple if it blows up (you would be laughed out of court anyway); and (2) don't pass on the battery to someone else.

In addition, a second battery adds value to your computer, which may prevent or delay your upgrading to a newer one, or purchasing a second, legitimate battery in the future.

Which is precisely why anonymous wants to keep it, I imagine. He is under no obligation to take the path that leads to Apple getting the most money. Cloaking that in "ethics" is ridiculous.

That said, if the battery blows up and injures you, we're going to laugh at you.
posted by grouse at 1:22 PM on July 27, 2005

Curious-how many of these batteries did explode? Wasn't the probability pretty slim in the first place?
posted by neilkod at 2:20 PM on July 27, 2005

I was recently thinking something similar. I have mine all packed up and ready to go, I've just never sent it. On my shipping label, Apple did supply a "Recommended Due Date" of 03/07/2006, so it looks like I still have time.
posted by bwilms at 6:25 PM on July 27, 2005

Easier ways to avoid these problems are: (1) don't sue Apple if it blows up (you would be laughed out of court anyway); and (2) don't pass on the battery to someone else.

(1) If you are injured in this explosion, and your health insurance covers your medical bills, your insurance company will subrogate and sue whomever they like.

(2) What if you die suddenly and unexpectedly? Or end up in a coma? You cannot guarantee the battery will not be used unless it is destroyed.

Which is precisely why anonymous wants to keep it, I imagine. He is under no obligation to take the path that leads to Apple getting the most money. Cloaking that in "ethics" is ridiculous.

He is only entitled to the product he purchased, in "whole" condition. He is not entitled to further compensation that is not being offered because he can get away with it.

Curious-how many of these batteries did explode? Wasn't the probability pretty slim in the first place?

I don't know about this specific instance, but most "battery exploding" recalls have been initiated by a handful (usually 3-5) of batteries that have caught on fire or otherwise caused scorching, and little to no property/human damage.
posted by trevyn at 8:16 PM on July 27, 2005