Odds and Ends: PowerBook G3 AC adapter recall follow-up; iBook: Fluorescent tube failing?

PowerBook G3 AC adapter recall Last week we noted that some owners of PowerBook G3s affected by the 2001 AC adapter recall were told by Apple customer representatives that the replacement program is no longer in effect.

However, MacFixIt reader Steve Elman now reports that using the form located at http://depot.info.apple.com/exchange/ has resulted in recent replacements for many of his clients.

Steve writes:

"I think just 2 months ago I used the form here and got one sent to the user. Whenever I see one of those brick style adapters I do this automatically for the client. So this would be news to me if it not still in place."

iBook: Flourescent tube failing? A MacFixIt reader reports a problem with failure of the brightening mechanism on iBook displays -- an issue for which we are seeking confirmation.

The reader writes:

"The fluorescent tube driver circuit that lights up the 14" LCD panel has failed and was replaced. Symptoms are as follows:

Usually when on mains power and on a warm day or after long use (machine is hot), and the brightness is on maximum; the display can suddenly and unexpectedly go black. It appears as though the iBook has completely died. If you hold the display up to a powerful light source (or flashlight), it is still possible to see the screen and shut down and restart again (complete power cycle required). I was told (unofficially) that this is happening quite a lot and one in 10 notebooks have been failing. The machine is only a few months old.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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