Dell has voluntarily recalled almost a million notebook computer AC adapters, citing overheating, possible electrical shock, and a potential fire hazard. According to the CPSC, there have been seven reports of overheating, and no injuries have been reported. These power supplies were used on Dell Latitude, Precision, and Inspiron notebook computers, and are labeled with the word DELL, and have the following part numbers printed on the adapter: P/N 9364U, P/N 7832D or P/N 4983D. The recalled adapters were included with notebooks sold by Dell between September 1998 and February 2002, sold individually by Dell as replacement items, or included with port replicators and docking stations. According to the CPSC, the following models of Dell notebook computers may have the recalled adapters: Dell Latitude models CP, CPi, CPiA, CPtC, CPiR, CPxH, CPtV, CS, CSx, CPxJ, CPtS, C500, C510, C600, C610, C800, C810, V700, C-Dock, C-Port; Inspiron: 2500, 2600, 3700, 3800, 4000, 4100, 4150, 5000, 5000e, 7500, 7550, 8000, 8100, Advanced Port Replicator, Docking Station; and the Precision M40.

If you have one of these adapters, Dell asks that you contact it immediately at (800) 418-8590, or check the website that Dell created for this purpose at www.delladapterprogram.com. Not all of the adapters for the above models are included in this recall, but if you do have one, Dell asks that you stop using it immediately and contact it for a free replacement.

NCR has voluntarily recalled 78,000 of its Universal Inkjet Refill Kits which were sold by Walgreens and Big Lots earlier this year, and sold for about $12. While no injuries have been reported, the packages do not meet child resistant safety standards, and lacks mandatory warning labels. These inkjet refills contain ethylene glycol which may be hazardous to children if swallowed. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The recalled refill kits are black ink kits with model numbers 943264 and 999292, and a color refill kit model number 999289. These model numbers are printed above the UPC code. If you have any of these refill kits, keep them out of the reach of children. Walgreens and Big Lots will either refund the purchase price or replace the kit upon return of the recalled units. Consumers can get more information from NCR at (800) 279-0203, or by e-mail at systemedia.info@NCR.com.

Lexmark has voluntarily recalled over 39,000 laser printers it manufactured and sold under its name, and under the names of Dell and IBM. While no injuries have been reported, there is a potential electrical shock hazard. Being recalled are the following model numbers: Lexmark E232, E232t, E330, E332n, E332tn; IBM Infoprint 1412, 1412n; and Dell 1700 and 1700n. These printers were either sold direct, or at electronic, office supply, or computer stores, during the time period of May to August 2004. The recalled printers sold for about $200.

Users of the recalled printers should stop using them, unplug them, and contact the company on the label to receive a free replacement printer. Users of recalled printers with a Lexmark label can get replacement information from Lexmark at recall.lexmark.com or by calling Lexmark at (877) 877-6218. Recalled Dell laser printer information is online at www.1700printer.com, and Dell can be contacted about the recall at (888) 245-3959. Owners of the recalled printers with the IBM label can get more information at www.printers.ibm.com of by calling IBM at (800) 426-7378.

Apple has voluntarily recalled 28,000 of the batteries used in its 15-inch PowerBook G4 computers. An internal short can cause the batteries to overheat. Only batteries manufactured in December 2003, with a model number of A1045 and serial numbers that begin with HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408 are being recalled. Apple asks that consumers stop using the battery and contact it for a replacement battery by calling (800) 275-2273 or going to www.apple.com/support/powerbook/batteryexchange.

Netgear, a major manufacturer of networking equipment, has voluntarily recalled 53,500 of its Wall Plug Ethernet Bridge, model number XE102. Units recalled have serial numbers XE12A32LB000001 through XE12A32LB005000 and XE12134LB005021 through XE12143LB053586. The recalled units were sold between February 2003, and May 2004. There is a risk that the housing may come off posing a shock hazard. Netgear asks that consumers stop using the bridge, remove the power source, and unplug the unit. Netgear is offering a free repair kit to users who contact it at (800) 303-5507, or request the free kit at www.netgear.com.

With the millions of computers in use, and the possibly billions of computer peripherals and accessories in our collective possession, it is somewhat amazing that they have had such an outstanding safety record, with comparatively few safety related recalls, and no serious injuries reported in recent years. This should be seen as a tribute to the safety built into our computing products.

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