Recalled my iBook Battery
Both Dell, Inc. and Apple, Inc. took action to recall batteries from some of their notebook lineups. I didn’t give much thought to the news until the realization that I owned an iBook. Checked out Apple.com to see whether my iBook model and battery serial number qualified for the recall campaign, and what do you know, I’m getting my close to three year old battery replaced with a brand new one.
The reason for the mass recalls (1.8 million units just by Apple) from both retailers was that the manufacturer of the battery, Sony Corporation’s battery had some flaws with its internal parts. Several incidents occurred in which the notebook computer burst into flames due an to overheating issue. Click on the photo to link to the news story.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06231.html
I been using this sturdy little iBook G4 for more than two years. A flawless machine, never had a problem with the notebook. Over two years of moderate usage, the battery still holds up after a full charge. Quite the notebook and I didn’t expect anything less when I bought it.
Back then, I paid the student discount price for the 12 inch iBook. I really liked the notebook- very sturdy, five lbs., attractive price for a 12 inch, excellent display and color, and easy to use programs. After I made the purchase, the more I used the notebook, the more respect I had for Apple. I was slowly understanding why Apple has a strong user base. And to say the least, I got suckered in into their outstanding product marketing. Check their website and you’ll see for yourself.
BUT …. I decided not to buy a Mac again. Reason: 1) You can’t use Windows program. 2) See number 1. 3) See number 1 and 2. A lot of softwares that I use or plan to use are proprietory for Windows operating system and there are no ports available for Apple Mac. Compatibility was the main issue. Software developers focus their product developments for Windows based users because of the large market share and only a small percentage concentrate on the Apple market share because it is their niche market.
There is a software available for Mac (don’t recall the name as of this writing) that allows you to install and use Windows software within the Mac operating system. Neat software but the problem is that the program is RAM and CPU hungry, requiring intensive hardware power. As I was googling to find the name of the software, I came up with Apple Bootcamp. “Apple will include technology in the next major release of Mac OS X, Leopard, that lets you install and run the Windows XP operating system on your Mac.”
Compared to other notebooks out in the market, Apple hardwares may seem high priced but like all Apple users, you just can’t argue with the quality, design, and the seemless implementation of the notebook. If you can cough off the cost, use basic programs like web surfing, chatting, video conference, and Windows Office, and expect a great quality and service, I recommend Apple Macs. The new lineups contain upgraded Intel Core Duo chip.
But if you have proprietory Windows-only softwares, go with a non-Mac. I can’t wait to get a IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad.
