iPhone - Lawsuit & Pressure Regarding Battery
08.02.07 - 05:10pm
The iPhone battery has been cause for concern since the iPhone was first announced back in January. Back then it was the fear that the battery would have a short playing life and would have to be recharged constantly. Apple was able to overcome that in spite of the music and video taking up more battery life than regular talking.
Now the problem has become the high price of the non-replaceable battery. A price that a new lawsuit is saying should have been more adequately exposed before the iPhone went on sale.
The iPhone battery will last approximately a year if used often or around 400 charges When it needs replacing it costs $79 plus a $6 shipping and handling fee and if you want use of a phone for the three days it will take to replace it you must rent one for another $29.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Jose Trujillo of Chicago is asking for money damages accusing Apple of consumer fraud.
“It’s a nondisclosure issue,” said Trujillo’s attorney, Larry Drury, on Tuesday.
Along with the lawsuit Apple is also being pressured by the Consumer Protection Board in New York regarding the issue.
They issued a press release admonishing Apple to change it’s policies on the battery saying:
1. The Apple Corp. should revamp its customer service policies to make it easier and less expensive for consumers to repair an iPhone, the New York State Consumer Protection Board said today.
2. … consumers should not have to pay a $79 fee to replace the battery in an iPhone.
3. One solution, she [CPB Chairperson and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein] said, would be a redesign to allow a consumer to replace the battery instead of sending it away for a new power supply.
4. The CPB is also objecting to the $29 fee that is charged for a temporary replacement phone, as well as the 14-day trial period offered by Apple.
5. Apple should also drop the 10 percent restocking fee charged when someone returns an iPhone.
6.“Finally we ask that Apple review its practices in disclosing contract terms and conditions, warranties and return policies,†said Chairperson Bockstein. In Apple stores and online, these disclosures should be more prominent and conspicuously displayed.
7. “A high-end cell phone shouldn’t have to have low-end customer service,†said Chairperson Bockstein.
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