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 auctionSame 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'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.
1 comment:
I wouldn't touch anything that either Apple didn't build, or license - it's just not worth the risk!
Even though, like the fake Chinese MacBook Air that I wrote about, I feel better and safer spending a little more for the original - Appe's.
Buying genuine Apple parts or products it the best form of insurance that you can have, bar none, that your products will work as advertised!
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