PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#5): Some replacement batteries damaged; Shipping discrepancies

We continue to report on Apple's massive recall of portable batteries manufactured by Sony, the confusion caused by initially vague serial number ranges, issues with replacement terms and more.

Some replacement batteries damaged We've received a few reports indicating that the replacement batteries shipped by Apple are physically damaged, but not defective on an operational level.

MacFixIt reader Marius Mels writes:

"I ordered my MacBook Pro battery replacement on Friday 25th August and received it today 30th August. Although it arrived with a damaged corner, I think that that is pretty good service. Now I will see how long it takes to get a replacement on this one."

Shipping discrepancies In addition, we continue to receive reports of discrepancies -- from country to country -- over whether the original battery needs to be returned before a replacement is sent. With some replacement times quoted at a month or more, sending the battery first could prove to be an exercise in downtime.

MacFixIt reader Stephen Pike writes:

'Here in New Zealand they are requesting that the original battery be delivered to the service center and we will wait for six to eight weeks for replacement battery to arrive."

Another reader received the following notice from Apple Australia:

"Due to the huge demand that this recall has generated, we have been informed by Apple that it will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the batteries to become available for the replacement process.  Everything is being done to reduce this time where possible. [...] You can return your battery immediately or return it when when we contact you to say that your replacement battery has arrived. PLEASE NOTE: The information on the link below says that Apple will send the battery replacement battery direct to you.  We have been told that this information is INCORRECT for Australia. The exchange can only be done though an authorized Apple Service Agent such as Designwyse."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#4): Some countries apparently require original battery before replacement
• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#3): Replacement may take a month or more; Serial number ranges updated to exclude some models; more
• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#2): Some iBook G3s also eligible; continuing problems with serial number, date ranges
• Apple announces recall of 1.8 million PowerBook G4, iBook batteries; Recall system not working for some; Serial number range discrepancies

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