So my MacBook’s magsafe power cable fell victim to the frayed power cable issue. This is a common complaint among those who’ve purchased them through Apple’s own website.

Bad News: Newly exposed wires were beginning to make my power-cord not work if not perfectly positioned to work; looming fire hazard. A new magsafe adapter is $99.

Good News: I found new power adapters on eBay for under $50 with shipping. Fairly quick shipping is promised from Hong Kong and I already had the perfect amount on my PayPal account (with about $0.40 to spare.) Should be in later this week.

Bad News: The next day Apple finally made this an out-of-warranty covered defect, meaning those adapter cables not seen as being broken due to user neglect would get replaced. (Apple Support Article via TUAW ) Why bad? I just spent $50 on eBay, no refunds on working products…

Good News: I made it over to the Apple Store (West Edmonton) around 8:30pm tonight after my cord began to smell of burning plastic. I exchanged the crapped out cable for a shiny new one very quickly (and with no hassle at all.) Good job Apple for finally making this a free replacement program (though from the sound of it, this has been long overdue.)

Once my eBay purchase does arrive Rachel and I will have a spare magsafe we can use when out and about, and I’ll likely keep the other one plugged in at the desk ready to use when at home (no more crawling under the desk when I am in a hurry to get out the door.)