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August 19, 2008

troubleshooting

Apple may replace MagSafes with frayed nerves

Posted Aug. 19, ’08, 9:09 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Troubleshooting

magsafefray.jpgLook, I understand where you’re coming from: the rubber coating on those MagSafe power cables is delicious. But that doesn’t mean you should be chewing on them—buy yourself a box of crackers or something, ‘kay?

Fortunately, if you have been getting a bit nippish and your MagSafe cord has suffered the consequences, there may be help available. According to this Knowledge Base article, you may be able to get your MagSafe adapter replaced, even if it’s out of warranty. You’ll have to make an appointment at the Genius Bar or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider to get the cable evaluated, and if they see those telltale toothmarks, well, you may be out of luck.

However, if there’s no evidence of untoward abuse, it’s quite possible you’ll walk out with a new adapter. This article seems to particularly relate to damage on the magnetic connector end which means it probably wouldn’t cover the problem I had earlier this year, which was the cable fraying near the power brick end. But it might be worth a try anyway.

Also, if you’re looking for ways to reduce the strain on your cord that causes fraying, don’t forget to check out this Knowledge Base article. Here’s a bonus tip for you: keep the power cord away from cats. Especially young, playful psychotic ones.

[via APC]


4 Comments

Eduardo said:

The Magsafe cord on my first generation Macbook frayed nine months after I purchased it (waay back when the first generation Macbooks were released)-the goons at the Apple Store in Glendale, California refused to replace it. They stated "it looks like it was abused"-what a load of rubbish. I ended up buying a replacement one.

August 19, 2008 10:29 AM
Inkling Author Profile Page said:

I've been trying to be a "good boy" and be especially careful with the cords on my MacBook. But Apple could save themselves money if they sent all registered users a spiral strain relief they could use to prevent excess flexing.

They could also license the MagSafe connector to other companies, so the wear and tear would be spread across multiple power supplies. Again, it'd be cheaper than replacing even out-of-warranty power supplies. They'd actually make money from the license instead of loosing money with replacements.

August 19, 2008 10:30 AM
William said:

My powerbook supply cracked, fizzeled, smoked and then set alight one early morning while (than god) I was working on the powerbook. To say I was pissed was an understatement. The unit was close to 2 years old and knowing of both a. the known issue of apple power supplies going up in flames and b. the fact it's a breach of health and safety regulations, fire hazzard regulations, build quality regulations etc (in the UK for sure and I cannot believe in any way that the US does not cary the same requirements, even more stringently so), it was a law suit waiting to happen that apple couldn't win in any way, shape or form. So a quick walk in to an apple store, genius bar ticket in hand and a very quick comment regarding law suit, health and safety, if I wasn't in the house and this set alight etc, one new (still badly designed) supply was handed over. The same thing goes with the mag safe connectors. They know there's a problem, it's far too documented on their website, store site, forums, internet to be avoided. It breaches safety regulations as well as consumer rights, and if push came to shove, could in worst case scenario, cause damage to property or person. Pushed a little, apple will do all they can to replace it, as the next option will be a law suit, and with all the people having these problems, a class action suit would likely follow. Simplest course of action is push for a replacement, or comment on your getting legal advice if it isn't replaced. Funny thing is, apple still haven't redesigned the supplies or cabling??

August 19, 2008 4:52 PM
John said:

Apple makes money from selling adapters. They want you to buy a replacement adapter from them, not a licensed third party.

Proof can be found in the linked knowledge base article. In the article (at the very end), Apple suggest that you buy extra adapters for each location where you use your laptop.

Clearly, Apple doesn't want you to just buy "replacement" adapters, they want you to buy as many as possible.

August 20, 2008 8:21 AM
Clay Hummer Author Profile Page said:

I had mine replaced today! I was going to actually (ahem) buy one next week, as it has frayed (sans toothmarks), but then stumbled across the support page. I went to my local Apple Store and walked right in, and five minutes later walked out with a new adapter. No charge, no questions, no strings. A pleasant Apple Store experience.
It may be a ploy to stave off a lawsuit, but it worked for me.

August 20, 2008 5:05 PM

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