a crank’s progress

Battery Exchange Program iBook G4 and PowerBook G4:

Apple has determined that certain lithium-ion batteries containing cells manufactured by Sony Corporation of Japan pose a safety risk that may result in overheating under rare circumstances.

The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4.

Apple is voluntarily recalling the affected batteries and has initiated a worldwide exchange program to provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge. This program is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety authorities.

Both the original battery — at last use, down to 1/2 an hour of charge — and its replacement are subject to recall and replacement. Very nice, in a cheapskate sorta way.

Check your gear to see if you’re similarly protected.