Apple USB Modem: It Can Have a Shorter Lifespan Than an Airport Express

Before giving details, we want to mention that it is so far the only case reported to us.
Alain has taking photo of a Apple USB modem plugged into a MacBook Pro while being connected to the net. During a recall procedure trial, the modem simply started to melt less than 3 minutes of operation.

It remains so far unclear how the USB port can have provided enough current or voltage to induce such damages.