Apple to start USB power adapter trade-in program, offer new chargers for $10

Apple to start USB power adapter trade-in program, offer new chargers for $10

Apple is investigating the death of a flight attendant who was electrocuted by answering an iPhone 5 that was charging, and now it's taking a step to ease fears about potentially faulty USB power adapters. Though Cook and Co. don't identify whether the plug involved in the deadly incident was from a third-party manufacturer, they explain that "recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues." With that in mind, the House that Jobs Built is instituting the USB Power Adapter Takeback Program, which will let folks pick up first-party iPad, iPhone and iPod plugs for $10 (instead of the usual $19) if they return any of their current adapters. Don't plan to stock up on the power-giving cubes though, as the deal is limited to one adapter for each device you own.

While the company does draw attention to concerns with chargers made by other manufacturers, it notes that "not all third party adapters have an issue." If you're interested in trading the accessory for some peace of mind, you'll have to head to an Apple retail store or an authorized service provider between August 16th and October 18th.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Apple

Will Surface tablets use Microsoft’s new MagSafe-like power and data connector?

Will Surface use Microsoft's new MagSafelike power connector

Microsoft has borrowed a couple of Apple-flavored notions for the launch of its new Surface tablets. For a start, it's avoided mentioning certain tech specs -- like the amount of RAM -- and now one of our readers has noticed something else: the strange-looking power port on the new devices looks very much like the magnetic, MagSafe-style connector Microsoft sent to the US Patent Office last week. We could be wrong, but the two do seem nearly identical, in which case Surface owners -- just like new Apple buyers -- may also have to put up with the clutter of more proprietary cables.

[Thanks, Ryan]

Will Surface tablets use Microsoft's new MagSafe-like power and data connector? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors

Apple MagSafe vs MagSafe 2 photos of the two incompatible power connectors

Apple quietly introduced a newer, slimmer, snazzier MagSafe connector here at WWDC, with the Retina display-equipped 15-inch MacBook Pro (yeah, the "next-generation" one) and the newly-unveiled MacBook Air machines utilizing it. Still, the original MagSafe is finding its way onto the refreshed MacBook Pro (both 13- and 15-inch), but we're guessing the original isn't long for this world. As with anything, change ain't easy -- for the two to talk to one another, you'll need an optional $10 adapter (which evidently ships gratis with the 27-inch Thunderbolt Display). It's also worth noting that the actual AC power plug returned to the "T-style" form factor, rather than the "side-style" seen in the MacBook units that were new... well, yesterday. We stacked a next-gen MBP atop a last-gen MBP just to showcase the differences; hit the gallery below if you're interested in such things.

Continue reading Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors

Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments