Apple recalls flawed AC adapters in Asia
The computer maker said in a statement Friday that it is recalling about 570,000 AC adapters worldwide. However, a Singapore-based Apple spokesperson declined to reveal figures for the Republic or any other countries in Asia.
According to the company's Web site, the affected adapters were sold for use with PowerBook G3 systems shipped from May 1998 to March 2000.
"The recall includes only AC adapters with a two-pin connector that came with Apple Macintosh PowerBooks or that were sold separately. The small rectangular black AC adapter box has a permanently attached cord on one end that connects to the computer and a detachable two-prong cord on the other end to plug into an AC outlet," Apple said in the statement.
"It is approximately 4.75 inches long by 2 inches wide. The label located on the side of the adapter reads in part, 'Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter' and 'Model Number: M4402'," it added.
PowerBook G3 users may visit Apple's Web site to verify if they are an affected party by simply indicating the serial number on the configuration label located on the bottom of their PowerBook.
Upon verification, the user will be asked to provide a shipping address to which the company will send a free replacement AC adapter, the site added.
No further details on the delivery of AC adapter, including the delivery period, were available.
According to a report last Friday, Apple's Web site stated that it had six reports of the (PowerBook) units overheating but that no injuries had been reported.
The company had urged customers to "order a replacement adapter immediately and not to leave (their) current AC adapter unattended while plugged into any power outlet".
The company declined to provide further details on its recall in Asia, saying only that customers in the region could call the toll-free numbers listed below for more information:
- Australia: 1800-001-912
- China: 800-810-2323
- Guam: 1-888-518-6791
- Hong Kong: 001-800-2775-3000
- India: 080-555-0575 (ext 147)
- Indonesia: 001-803-061-2167
- Korea: 080-3404-300
- Malaysia: 1800-180-019
- New Zealand: 00800-2775-3000
- Philippines: 00-800-2775-3000
- Singapore: 001800-2775-3000
- Taiwan: 00-800-2775-3000
- Thailand: 088-6812022
Apple, which is in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and other international safety authorities, noted that the recall is voluntary.