See other Science/Tech Articles
Title: Dell recalls 4 million batteries
Source:
www.theage.com.au
URL Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/lapto ... /2006/08/15/1155407776670.html
Published: Aug 14, 2006
Author: www.theage.com.au
Post Date: 2006-08-14 19:58:18 by robin
Keywords: None
Views: 95
Comments: 3
Computer maker Dell Inc. has announced it will recall 4.1 million notebook computer batteries .
The batteries are made by Sony Corp and Dell said that it issued the recall because the lithium ion batteries could overheat and, in rare cases, produce smoke and catch fire.
The batteries are Dell-branded but contain Sony battery cells, a Dell spokesman said.
In recent weeks there's been a number of reports of Dell notebooks catching fire.
The most well-known case happen in Osaka, Japan two months ago.
The laptop computer was photographed as it burst into flames.
In Sydney yesterday, the founder of Dell, Mr Michael Dell, said that this and other reports were still "being investigated".
Lithium ion batteries used in laptops are believed to be behind a number of reported incidents in which the devices have caught fire.
In December last year, Dell conducted an extensive recall of 35,000 batteries sold with Latitude, Inspiron and Precision laptops.
Since then, further incidents have been reported on blogs and forums, but the company has not clarified whether any of these are linked to batteries from last year's recall or caused by separate problems.
Mr Dell said: "We are fully investigating that incident and a few other reported incidents to understand exactly what is going on and taking appropriate steps to provide the best outcome for our customers."
Although the number of incidents reported to date have not been widespread, the issue has claimed a lot of attention on blogs and some news sites, with new reports and images of burnt-out laptops now emerging on a regular basis.
The recalled batteries were used in 2.7 million computers sold in the United States and 1.4 million sold overseas.
The recall affects certain Inspiron, Latitude and Precision laptop, or notebook computers.
According to reports, this represents about 18 percent of Dell’s notebook production during the period in question.
The cost of the recall could exceed $US300 million, according to The New York Times.
Dell advised customers they could continue using their notebook
computers by turning the system off, ejecting the battery, and
using the AC adapter and power cord until a replacement
battery was received. Dell will post details of the recall on its
site.
The Dell laptop that caught in Osaka in June. Photo: Gaston/The Inquirer
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: robin (#0)
I just removed what I do believe to be one of these batteries. The Dell site is overwhelmed so I'm unable to get the specific battery ID at this time. :/
Dell will post details of the recall on its site. I missed this somehow, in the original post, just fixed. Or is this the site you tried? I just tried, it's okay.
"If there’s another 9/11 or a major war in the Middle-East involving a U.S. attack on Iran, I have no doubt that there will be, the day after or within days an equivalent of a Reichstag fire decree that will involve massive detentions in this country." - Daniel Ellsberg Author, Pentagon Papers Thanks. That site worked and it turns out my battery is not subject to recall. I note that the Dell examples all have "Made In Japan" on the battery label. My battery was "Made In China"... ;)
#2. To: Brian S (#1)
#3. To: robin (#2)
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest