USB Power Adapter Takeback Program - ends on October 18th. Only applicable if you want to replace any questionable/el-cheapo USB AC adapters w/Apple ones for $10 each (1 per iDevice). Apple's adapters do real well in the tests at Ken Shirriff's blog: A dozen USB chargers in the lab: Apple is very good, but not quite the best. For those who haven't read the article, not all AC adapters, including USB ones are created equal.
Seems like the program is YMMV as a former college roommate reported receiving an iPad 12 watt AC adapter for $9. The 12 watt adapters ship with iPad 3 (and maybe 4) vs. the 10 watt adapters that ship w/iPad 1 and 2. Arrived @ Apple store about 30 mins before close being told I need to have an appointment w/the Genius Bar (all full for the night), even though the page says nothing about that. I didn't want to have to come again Friday after work and there weren't early enough appointments in the morning. They finally got a "Genius" to help me from the back. I brought my iPad 2, iPhone 5 and 2 crappy adapters (5 watt and <5 watts, IIRC), hoping to get a 10 watt and a 5 watt. He gave me 2 5 watt adapters for $10/each + tax. I asked if they only give 5 watt adapters. Him: Yes. After I left the store I noticed I had email receipts for these: 661-8125 Exchange, Power Adapter, 5W, USB, Green Dot 661-8127 Exchange, Power Adapter w/Duckhead, 10W, USB <-- didn't get one of these. Duckhead I assume refers to the detachable piece w/prongs that can be folded away and lets you swap w/other plug types. Oh well... Lesson learned: Might be better to make a Genius Bar appointment. If not, arrive well before they close.
Apple Launches Third-Party USB Charger 'Takeback Program' - Mac Rumors started because of Apple Pledges Investigation After Chinese Woman Reportedly Electrocuted Using a Charging iPhone 5 - Mac Rumors.
