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That cool little power adapter that Apple begun shipping with the iPhone 3G…well it is not quite as cool as we all thought. In fact Apple has just announced a recall for the Ultracompact USB Power Adapter due to the possibility of the metal prongs breaking off and remaining in a power outlet and “creating a risk of electric shock.”

Thankfully, they have stated that the problem adapters are a very small percentage and that they have not had any reports of injuries yet.

According to the terms of the recall, Apple will be providing new adapters free of charge, however current owners will have to either arrange to have the replacement shipped using the web, or by visiting an Apple Retail Store.

The bad news here is that Apple has stated that users “should immediately stop using them,” which sounds logical enough however the new adapters will not be ready until October 10, 2008. In addition if you schedule your replacement on line then it will ship sometime within three weeks of your order.

The adapters are the new, small model that shipped with the iPhone 3G and were sold in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico and several Latin American countries.

I do give Apple credit for looking after the customer, but at the same time asking someone to go without a power adapter for roughly 3 weeks (or more) is a little rough.

[Apple Recall Announcement]