Are Apple Computer and its Macbooks suffering from quality control problems?

[regic]

When Apple's first generation of Intel-based laptops started rolling out, first with the MacBook Pro and then the MacBook a few months later, initial user reports seemed almost too good to be true...

All of that changed after units started shipping in quantity. No computer company produces flawless products, but Apple has a reputation for being a cut above most computer companies. Yet here was the Macbook Pro "whining." Others claimed that the MacBook could burst into flames. Then MacBook owners began noticing discoloration on their cases. In this brief report we look at the biggest quality control problems we've seen and heard in recent months, then answer the question: are there quality control problems at Apple? We've wondered about that before and now we're raising the quesiton again...

full article: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060809-7457.html

[maryrussel]

Heat quickly became a common complaint among MacBook and MacBook Pro users, especially for those who used their laptops on their laps and other nondesk surfaces.

Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "hot to trot". 

[regic]

[quote author=maryrussel link=topic=4713.msg20412#msg20412 date=1155246386]

Heat quickly became a common complaint among MacBook and MacBook Pro users, especially for those who used their laptops on their laps and other nondesk surfaces.

Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "hot to trot". 
[/quote]

Dell has a similar problem  with exploding laptops bursting into flames :blinkie:

http://weblog.infoworld.com/techwatch/ar...07275.html

[maryrussel]

Sorry, it was a stupid remark. I'm sure those who have had it happen to them were not amused.

[regic]

Dell and Sony are both recalling laptop batteries:

Because of a risk of fire, Apple Computer is recalling 1.8 million batteries that use Sony's battery cell technology, which also was at the root of Dell's historic recall last week.

The Mac maker's recall, while not as large as Dell's, affects users of its iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 laptop models sold between October 2003 and August 2006, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Users are advised to remove the batteries immediately and store them in a safe place.

Apple said it has gotten nine reports of batteries overheating, including two cases in which users reported minor burns and property damage...

full article: http://news.com.com/Apple+recalls+1.8+mi...nefd.pulse

[mandy]

BusinessWeek has an an article on Dell and Apple being forced to recall the batteries due to pressure from online media.

Credit blogs and new media for keeping the heat on about flaming laptop batteries—and helping to push Dell and Apple into action

Much has been said about the potential for the blogosphere and cyberjournalism to reshape the flow of information and opinions. But for a case study of how these new media can impact the business world, consider the biggest event to hit the computer industry in recent weeks. Yes, we're talking about those burning laptop batteries and the decision by Dell (DELL) and Apple (AAPL) to recall more than 5 million of them—the largest recall of its kind in the history of the consumer-electronics industry.

The cybermedia didn't merely expose the dangers of computers catching fire. They kept the heat on the manufacturers to do something about it and helped the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conduct an investigation into the burning batteries...

full article: http://www.businessweek.com/technology/c...642667.htm

[mandy]

Update:  Virgin Atlantic restricts use of Dell and Apple laptops on flights:

LAPTOP BATTERY RESTRICTIONS
As a result of the current problems being experienced by the Apple and Dell Corporations with some of the batteries fitted to some of their laptops, as a safety precaution and with immediate effect, customers wanting to use an Apple or Dell laptop on board can only do so if the battery is removed. Any removed or spare batteries must be individually wrapped/protected and placed in your Carry On Baggage. This is limited to two batteries per passenger.

In cabins where the seats are fitted with In Seat Power Supplies, leads/adapters will be offered. Where no ISPS is provided or no laptop leads/adapters are available, the use of Apple and Dell laptops is prohibited.

Virgin is in communication with Apple and Dell. As soon as this safety issue is resolved these restrictions will be lifted.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/pas...#appledell

[Kristijntje]

More laptop battery recalls

The latest installment of Sony Corp.'s (SNE) laptop-battery recall likely taints the electronic giant's name among computer makers and could prompt retribution from the industry, analysts say.
Sony said Thursday it will initiate a global replacement program for certain battery packs that use its lithium-ion cells in notebook computers in order to address concerns related to recent over-heating incidents.

Lenovo Group Ltd. and International Business Machines Corp. initiated a voluntary recall Thursday of about 526,000 lithium-ion batteries worldwide manufactured by Sony.

"Sony's brand is severely damaged," said Roger Kay, president of Endpoint Technologies Associates, a market-research firm. "I think it's going to be a question whether they can be in the battery business at all."...

full article: http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?dist=newsfinder&siteid=google&guid=%7B90DDF909-64A6-43D9-839F-E00D49339CA2%7D&keyword=