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Three of the biggest laptop computer makers are recalling certain batteries because of a risk they may overheat and catch fire. Sony made the batteries and the recall mirrors — yet appears a lot smaller than — a similar one that occurred two years ago.
This time, around 100,000 batteries are affected, a fraction of the 9.6 million recalled in 2006. Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba have already issued recalls for the batteries that were used in their products and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said “consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.”
The batteries in question were manufactured between October 2004 and June 2005 and to date there have been about 40 incidents reportedly globally of overheating, said Sony.
Of the 100,000 batteries affected, around 35,000 were used in laptops shipped in the U.S. By far the greatest number, about 32,000, were shipped with HP laptops.
Identifying codes are in the article. Click the link above to see if you’re one of the lucky ones.
I have one of the Toshiba models listed in the recall. As usual, Toshiba’s support website is less than useful in trying to find the exact information (battery model and serial affected), it was buried in their cruddy support site. (and this is linking from the AP article!) Once checking, they are looking for a specific serial number range, and mine was not included. My model was also listed in the last recall, but was not included in that recall either. Apparently I’m really lucky.
You really know how to scare readers of a technology blog on Halloween.
The important thing is to never leave a laptop on a flammable surface – especially when charging.
In 1994, my HP laptop started to smoke while I was using it and charging it. In those days, I routinely left it on the couch when I stepped away. Whew. That was close.
James Hill is safe. He’s hung like an elevator button.
#4 – Worship, noted.
#4 LOL.
I have never thought my crotch was safe.
Can probably still RECOVER THE HARD DRIVE WITH ALL YOU PRON !!! Whew, that was close !!!
Thanks for the warning. I pulled my battery
out last week because it was heating up. Don’t
use it very often anyway.
Thanks again. I depend on your blog for lots of
esoteric info.