MacBook Pro is Sick

There is something wrong with my power systems again. So far, I have replaced two batteries and a power adapter.

Now, for some reason unknown, the computer's fans spin up like crazy whenever the battery is in, and goes back to normal when the battery is taken out. This is the case with the power adapter plugged in or taken out (of course with both battery and cable out, there is no power).

I have phoned the Apple people and they had me reset the SMC but that did not help. Now, I have stumped the nice man on the phone (his name was Jason), and I will probably have to take this in to an Apple Store. I will be going home Thursday night, so the timing is just right. It sucks to have to deal with this during my time at home, but it has to get done, and Friday is the most opportune time to do so. There is a chance I might lose my computer for a little bit. I would then have to resort to using the iPod touch or a lab computer for my fill of the daily Internet.

Oh boy ...

(Photo courtesy of a guy from Australia)

Apple Adapter Arrives

My MacBook Pro adapter has arrived!

The nice thing I remembered was that Apple came out with a different/newer/smaller power adapter for the MacBook Pro, after issues with the older bigger ones. They were considered very huge after the smallish size from the PowerBook G4 days. An AppleInsider article from October 2007 talks about the issue.

I am happy to say that I now have a smaller power adapter. This makes me so happy ...

Without a Computer

Yesterday afternoon, I discovered that my Apple MacBook Pro power adapter had melted and frayed on the end with the MagSafe adapter. Immediately, I telephoned AppleCare not knowing if they were even open on Saturdays. I was surprised to get an answer. Because this was a safety issue, the lady on the phone (Sarah) told me hot to use it and transferred me to a product specialist (Devin), who then had me follow a safety script that included questions like, Did I feel any discomfort or get injured by the product, and Was any personal property damaged as a result of this problem.

It was interesting. All in all, Apple will replace it for me for free. This makes it the third time I had contacted Apple and had the successfully replace parts for me for free. (Two separate battery incidents prior to this one.) My $400 AppleCare extended warranty is really paying off! Alas, I am without a computer to use as the MBP's battery life sucks. A lot.

I take it as a sign for me to really start studying and to stop procrastinating by going online. Unfortunately, I have with me an iPod touch, and it is more than adequate to get me to my music, movies, e-mail, calendar, and Internet. I do not know if that is a good thing or a bad one. Heh.