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We Recall The Last Recall (7/6/01)
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You think the processor in your PowerBook runs hot? Check the adapter. As soon as we think we can finally close the door on that whole sordid "Flaming 5300" chapter in Apple's history, up pops yet another "issue" that'll keep the image of smoldering PowerBooks from ever resting in peace. As faithful viewer Jerry O'Neil points out, though, this time it's not a flammable battery being recalled; as MacCentral reports, it's a slew of power adapters that carries the potential of making things overly toasty. Yes, people, this is a full-fledged recall: if you've got a PowerBook G3 AC adapter that shipped "from May 1998 until March 2000," Apple wants it back-- presumably so it can be burned in a controlled environment.
As far as we can tell, the affected adapters shipped only with and for Wall Street and possibly Lombard PowerBooks-- they're the black rectangular units with the two-prong power cord connector, model M4402, labeled "Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter." (Pismo's UFO-looking iBook-style adapters are apparently safe.) Apparently there have been six reported instances of these things "overheating" in the field; whether that means any actual fires were started is anyone's guess, but at least "no injuries have been reported."
If you've got one of the hot potatoes, Apple "urges you... not to leave your current AC adapter unattended while plugged into any power outlet." Instead, unplug that puppy and use your remaining battery power to check out Apple's PowerBook G3 AC Adapter Exchange Program, whereby you can order a replacement adapter-- presumably one that's less likely to torch your dwelling-- free of charge. All you need to do is enter your PowerBook's serial number and a shipping address, and you'll be charging your batteries again worry-free in no time. And look on the bright side; at least this time the part that can burst into flames isn't actually in your lap.
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SceneLink (3161)
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 | | The above scene was taken from the 7/6/01 episode: July 6, 2001: Toss one more possibility onto the Expo intro pile: a new rack-mount server code-named "Thing 2." Meanwhile, Apple issues a recall for combustible PowerBook G3 AC adapters, and at least one analyst thinks that the battle for consumer computer sales may eventually boil down to Apple vs. Sony...
Other scenes from that episode: 3160: "Are You Being Served?" (7/6/01) Let's recap, shall we? As far as we can make out, here's the general consensus on the major gear expected for dramatic Stevenote unveilings at Macworld Expo: first and foremost, new iMacs, probably with LCD displays (likely), possibly with G4 processors (less likely), and maybe with some sort of removable tablet stylus-driven wireless web pad functionality (for the "extreme rumormongers" who like to live out there on the edge of sanity)... 3162: Survivors Of The Slaughter (7/6/01) If we had to pick the one thing we miss most by being Mac users instead of Wintel slaves, we'd have to say it's the constant reminders that mediocrity makes the world go 'round. No, wait, scratch that-- even worse is the fact that we're pretty much missing out on the ongoing PC price war...
Or view the entire episode as originally broadcast... | |  |
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