State complains about iPhone battery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 31, 2007 -- The rechargeable battery must eventually be replaced by Apple Computer Inc., which makes the device, when the battery no longer holds a charge. Apple charges $79 plus $6.95 shipping for the battery replacement after the one-year warranty has expired on the device, which sells for $500 to $600 with a two-year wireless contract with AT&T.

"I encourage Apple to redesign the iPhone in order to provide for a replaceable battery," Mindy Bockstein, chairwoman and executive director of the state's Consumer Protection Board, wrote to Steve Jobs, chief executive of Apple, in a letter dated July 17 that the agency provided to Newsday Monday.

In a news release, Bockstein said, "A high-end cell phone shouldn't have to have low-end customer service."

Two representatives for Apple did not return phone calls and e-mails.

Zach Zadek, 14, an iPhone enthusiast from Dix Hills, said he's "not happy" that he would have to send the iPhone to Apple to have the battery replaced. But as an owner of an iPod, which also lacks a user-replaceable battery, he's accustomed to the policy.

Bockstein also told Jobs that Apple should provide free rental phones as customers wait for repairs to the iPhone. "Consumers should not have to rent an iPhone for $29 because their expensive iPhone failed to perform as expected and needs repair," she wrote.

She also said Apple should extend its 14-day return policy to 30 days, which is the period AT&T allows for the wireless service the phone uses.

Furthermore, Apple shouldn't charge a 10-percent restocking fee and should review how it discloses contract terms and conditions, warranties and return policies, Bockstein wrote.

An iPhone user filed a class-action lawsuit last week claiming Apple didn't inform customers that Apple must replace the battery, according to news reports. Apple's Web site discloses the battery may eventually lose its ability to hold a charge and must be replaced by Apple.

The site says users can extend battery life by charging the .iPhone at least once a month and keeping its software up-to-date as engineers may develop new ways to optimize performance.

Author: RICHARD J. DALTON JR.
Source: http://www.newsday.com/