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Nokia initiates shocking charger recall program (update: affects 14 million)

by Thomas Ricker posted Nov 9th 2009 at 4:30AM

New Nokia owners take notice: Espoo just launched an "exchange program" for certain Nokia-branded chargers. According to the world's largest handset maker:

"We have determined that the plastic covers of the affected chargers could come loose and separate, exposing the charger's internal components and potentially posing an electric shock hazard if certain internal components are touched while the charger is plugged into a live socket."

The chargers affected are models AC-3E and AC-3U, manufactured between June 15 and August 9, 2009, and model AC-4U, manufactured between April 13 and October 25, 2009. Fortunately, Nokia provides a website that removes all the guesswork from obtaining your free replacement.

Update: Gulp, looks like we're talking about 14 million defective chargers.

Show full PR text

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 9, 2009

Nokia initiates charger exchange program

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today initiated a charger exchange program, in which consumers owning certain Nokia-branded chargers manufactured by a third-party supplier are recommended to exchange these chargers for free replacements.

During a routine quality control process, Nokia identified a potential product quality issue with certain chargers manufactured by one of its third-party suppliers. The plastic covers of the affected chargers could come loose and separate, exposing the charger's internal components and potentially posing an electrical shock hazard if certain internal components are touched while the charger is plugged into a live socket. Nokia is not aware of any incidents or injuries related to these chargers.

Only a limited number of chargers of certain model types manufactured by a single third-party supplier during a specific time period are within the scope of the exchange program. They are the AC-3E and AC-3U models, manufactured between June 15, 2009 and August 9, 2009; and the AC-4U model, manufactured between April 13, 2009 and October 25, 2009.

For more information, including how consumers can check to see if their chargers are part of this exchange program, Nokia has established a website. Consumers are asked to visit http://chargerexchange.nokia.com or their local Nokia website.

Nokia recommends consumers with chargers within the scope of this exchange program to stop using the charger and exchange it for a free replacement.

Unibody MacBook Pro catch a fire, owner want no more trouble

by Joseph L. Flatley posted May 20th 2009 at 11:41AM

As if you needed further proof that Apple is the favorite company of firebugs everywhere, unibody MacBook Pro owner Ken Brinkman has snapped some pics of his spontaneously combusting MagSafe cable. Apparently, he was fast asleep at 1:30 AM this morning when the smell of burning plastic caught his attention. Luckily, the young man is safe as of this post -- but the condition of his data has yet to be determined. Once again, we implore you: does your MagSafe cable look like this? If so, get it replaced. And while you're at it, you may want to make sure you don't have any first gen iPod nanos laying around. We hear those things can be dangerous! Trust us, you'll be far better off listening to Natty Dread on your Zune. One more pic after the break.

Continue reading Unibody MacBook Pro catch a fire, owner want no more trouble

Apple replacing faulty MagSafe power adapters, too

by Thomas Ricker posted Aug 20th 2008 at 1:06AM

First the iPod nano, now Apple's Mag(not so)Safe adapters. That look familiar? If so, Apple is ready to replace the faulty MagSafe adapter from your 13-inch MacBook or 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro -- in warranty or out. You do live nearby an Apple-Authorized Service Provider right?

Apple admits to iPod nano smoking and sparks, will replace faulty devices

by Joshua Topolsky posted Aug 19th 2008 at 3:38PM

It's only taken a number of years and some seriously ruined pants -- but Apple has finally come clean on the flammable nature of the first-generation iPod nano, and is now offering to replace the faulty devices. After reports today that two more of the media players had lit up without warning in Japan, the company issued a statement admitting that the nanos do -- in fact -- have battery problems which cause them to smoke or spark and generally burn the hell out of things. In the company's words:

"Apple has determined that in very rare cases batteries in first generation iPod nanos sold between September 2005 and December 2006 can overheat causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano. Apple has received very few reports of such incidents (less than 0.001 percent of first generation iPod nano units), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier. There have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, and no reports of incidents for any other iPod nano model.

Any first generation iPod nano customers who have experienced their battery overheating should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Any other customers who have concerns about their first generation iPod nano battery should also contact AppleCare."

Well, thanks guys... at least we didn't die.

Wal-Mart spreadsheet claims 40GB PS3 "will be replaced" in August

by Darren Murph posted Jul 9th 2008 at 9:36AM

Not even ten months after rumors began swirling about the introduction of a 40GB PlayStation 3, we're now seeing hints that Sony's low-ender will soon be replaced. Based on this alleged Wal-Mart spreadsheet, the 40GB PS3 console "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August," which seems pretty clear cut on the surface. Granted, this "new model" may just include a sweet plastic Olympics medallion to commemorate the occasion or a fancy new vibrating controller, so don't go thinking that an entirely fresh form factor is just around the bend. Not that we'd complain about that, though.

[Thanks, Khattab]

ASUS offers UK Eee PC 900 owners �10 battery upgrade

by Darren Murph posted Jun 2nd 2008 at 9:54AM

Unlike the sticky situation in Hong Kong (which was in fact resolved), ASUS was under no obligation to provide 5800mAh batteries to buyers in the UK. Officially, the outfit noted that it "offers different solutions in different markets," and although UKers have received 4400mAh batteries in their machines, they also get a lengthened two-year warranty. Nevertheless, the company is making the right moves once again by offering these very customers a couple of options; first, users can download a firmware update that will reportedly add around 30 minutes of life to their current cell. If that's not enough, owners can send in the 4400mAh pack along with £10 + VAT in exchange for a longer-lasting 5800mAh edition. Looks like a pretty fair deal from this side of the pond.

[Thanks, JC]

ASUS replacing Eee PC 900 batteries with longer lasting versions

by Darren Murph posted Apr 22nd 2008 at 10:48PM

Attaboy, ASUS. Not even 24-hours after reports starting flooding in over end users receiving less capacious Eee PC batteries in Hong Kong than expected, the firm is stepping up and doing the right thing. According to an admittedly rough translation of a statement on its website, ASUS is openly thanking its supporters for their business, and while it seems as though it's still chalking the whole mishap up as a simple mistake, every single Hong Kong-based customer will be receiving a free (5800mAh) replacement. 'Tis a shame we'll likely still be griping over the battery life.

[Via jkkmobile]

Activision cranks up Wii Guitar Hero III disc replacement program

by Darren Murph posted Feb 16th 2008 at 11:43AM

Select owners of Guitar Hero III for Wii have been moshing uncontrollably as best they can in mono for months on end, but it seems as if Activision has finally got its interconnects sorted and will start issuing replacement discs. According to direct end-user reports and the (admittedly blurry) shots in the gallery below, the firm is now dishing out pre-paid envelopes in which customers have to ship back their faulty GH III disc and wait "3 to 4 weeks" before getting a new, stereo-enabled one free of charge. Live sans your favorite game for a month, or keep rockin' in the monaural world? Tough call, indeed.

[Thanks, Sam K. and Michael S.]

Gallery: Activision cranks up Wii Guitar Hero III disc replacement program

EA acknowledges Rock Band guitar defect, promises replacements

by Darren Murph posted Nov 30th 2007 at 8:10AM

Although it was but a week ago that we first caught wind of potential Rock Band hardware issues, it seems the problems are more than just a figment of our imagination. We know, living that rock 'n roll lifestyle can certainly cloud your judgment, but if you're certain your axe is experiencing some issues -- particularly with the strum bar -- EA's here to help. The company has affirmed that certain guitars in initial shipments may have left the warehouse with "an imperfection [in] the strum bar," and if you're one of the afflicted, EA is offering a brand new replacement gratis. So go on, hit the link below to get the process started, and while you're waiting to get a shiny new Strat, why not brush up on those drum rolls?

[Via Joystiq]
Read - EA confirms guitar issues
Read - Replacement website

T-Mobile replacing faulty Sidekick Slide with Sidekick LX

by Darren Murph posted Nov 22nd 2007 at 2:28PM

While we can't help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside whenever a manufacturer owns up to defects that originated on its end, it's even better when affected customers are looked after for their troubles. According to GigaOM, users dealing with a malfunctioning Sidekick Slide can swap their unit for a shiny new Sidekick LX free of charge, and if for whatever reason that doesn't get your juices flowin', you can opt to exchange it and put the purchase price towards another handset. If you're dead set on just keeping your current Slide, you can simply wait things out until a fix is announced, but you won't find us passing up on any offers to upgrade gratis.

Xbox 360 Arcade console landing on October 23rd?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 2nd 2007 at 10:03PM

C'mon, surely you've coped with the fact that Microsoft's Xbox 360 Core system will likely be replaced with the impending Arcade console, right? If not, now would be a great time for some serious soul-searching, because both Amazon and Toys 'R' Us are listing the system on their respective websites as having an October 23rd ship date. Of course, we're still not sure exactly what ports / extras the Arcade flavor will arrive with, but it's safe to say it'll run you $279.99 when it (probably) ships in three weeks.

Read - Amazon's listing
Read - Toys 'R' Us' listing

iPhone's first sketchy battery replacement kit appears

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jul 31st 2007 at 9:24AM

When the time came and your battery died, you were probably thinking you'd have to send your iPhone off to Apple as part of their expensive and complicated battery replacement program -- but now you've got a sketchy DIY option instead. Once again, a mysterious Chinese company has stepped in and "created" a "solution" to your problem with its iPhone battery replacement kit. For just $20, which is cheap enough to elicit genuine concern, you get a 1400mAh, 3.7V iPhone battery, some type of screwdriver-like tool, a strange plastic shiv, and an instruction manual (presumably in English, but you never know). All you have to do is crack open your $600 phone, de-solder your old battery and solder in the new one... and probably some other, more complicated stuff too. At this price, it seems unlikely that this battery won't explode, so buy at your own risk, and definitely try at your own risk.

[Via I4U, thanks Luigi]

Apple launches battery replacement program for iPhone

by Ryan Block posted Jul 4th 2007 at 3:56PM

Well, it seems Apple has reacted -- at least partially -- to the gripe that the iPhone battery isn't user replaceable with the iPhone Out-of-Warranty Battery Replacement Program. If your battery goes flat Apple will replace it for $79.95 plus $6.95 for shipping, with turnaround time expected to be about three business days. As a bonus, if you just can't live without Cupertino's newest, Apple will rent you an iPhone for the duration of the battery replacement -- or if it needs any other type of repair -- for just $29. In total, the whole experience will set you back well over that magical $100 mark, and after having shelled out a pretty big load of cash to begin with, we're sure this won't sit well with many. Of course, ~~exploding~~ after-market batteries will be all over in the coming weeks and months, so if you just can't get yourself to spend all that official-Apple-repair cake, eBay should have you covered for home replacement.

[Via Mac Rumors]

Dell fesses to more vertical line issues -- offers free replacements

by Thomas Ricker posted Jun 20th 2007 at 8:59AM

Get 'em while they're hot, Dell's offering up free (labor and parts) replacements for laptop LCD screens with vertical line issues. Owners of Inspiron 6000 and 8600, Latitude D800 and D810, and Precision M60 and M70 machines exhibiting one-pixel wide vertical line(s) are now eligible for a free LCD replacement or cash money refund if Dell already repaired your box sometime in the past. According to Dell, all the affected machines shipped between December 2004 and December 2006. Apparently, this is the same issue already corrected on the 17-inch LCDs shipped with their Inspiron 9200, 9300 and Dell XPS Gen 2 laptops back in April. Your slab not exhibiting the problem? No worries, if it gets ugly in the future, you're still eligible for a replacement within three years of purchase. The issue has been tracked back to one specific component used on a small number of LCDs across Dell's Lineup. Hey Dell, care to share that information with Apple to see if it's the cause of their 17-inch LCD woes? Wouldn't be the first time you two sourced the same OEM panels. Dell users, click the read link below to get yours.

Sony really knows how to screw its customers

by Ryan Block posted May 25th 2007 at 2:24AM

We know there are many costs associated with the complicated process of screw production -- especially the process of fabricating special screws -- but this $82 unit really hurts. Although to be fair, the above Sony screw might not have been Sony itself screwing a customer, but rather some screwball retailer drilling down on Sony's behalf.

[Via Gadget Lab]