It's Been A While, But I've Got An "I Told You So" Moment

In March 2008 FYT reported this story:

Unsafe Magsafe: Fake Apple Magsafe AC Adapter On eBay

From that article:

A Hong Kong distributor has started selling fake/modded MagSafe AC adapters on eBay. Apple has not licensed any 3rd party that I am aware of to use the MagSafe adapter. As I was perusing ebay to find a replacement for a customer I found this.

From the auction description:

60W power charger AC Adapter for Apple MacBook ONE pieces.
*This is a Brand new Power AC Adapter made by PANASONIC, We modify with a Original Brand New Magsafe DC plug, and use for MacBook, (Not for MacBook Pro).

size: 170 x 82 x 40 mm

Input Voltage: 100-240V 50-60Hz (USE for WORLDWIDE)

Condition: Brand New Panasonic AC Adapter + Brand New Original Apple Magsafe cord, 30 days warranty, fully refund (less postage) and buyer need pay return postage by himself, If you no accept,Please don't BID.

---------- FIX YOUR THINKING COMMENTARY ----------


Besides this being ugly ... there's just no way this could be safe or convenient - it's just $30 cheaper than a MagSafe adapter from Apple. Its sad to see eBay allow such auctions.

Link to current auction

Same eBay ID (sib auctions) with knockoff looking Magsafe

PATENT INFO:

Apple owns US patent 7,311,526, "Magnetic connector for electronic device", for this technology.

Apple also owns a copyright and trademark on the name MAGSAFE©™

Today Macrumors posted:

Apple Files Patent Infringement Suit Over Knock Off Power Adapters

Apple's complaint charges that Media Solutions Holdings, through the Web sites www.laptopsforless.com, www.laptopacadapter.com and www.ereplacements.com, sells "various consumer electronic accessories at retail, including knock-off power adapters for use with genuine Apple portable computers."

"Through various Web sites and otherwise, the Defendants market these knock-off power adapters for use with Apple portable computers, such as the MacBook," the complaint states.

* ereplacements was the company listing the AC adapter I had mentioned. Although Apple is filing the suit against the company for making a copycat "look and functionality" ac adapter - ereplacements is responsible for selling rejiggered AC adapters on eBay as well.

From what I've been able to dig up ...

Apple apparently replaced a man's MacBook Pro 4 times for the same issue - Magsafe power port problems. Turns out this guy , after his third repair and second replacement under AppleCare - had one of these AC adapters.