Many users of notebook computers, commonly referred to as "laptops", have noticed how hot they can become while being used, or when batteries are being recharged. In some cases, this heat may be a symptom of something more dangerous.
Many of us who use notebook computers are well aware of how long (or short) the battery life is when operated on battery power, so we purchased extra batteries for our notebooks. Unfortunately, some of these batteries may pose risks, especially when being recharged.
Bizcom Electronics, Sceptre Technologies, and Systemax, have voluntarily recalled about 13,000 notebook computer batteries either included as "OEM" original batteries included with new notebooks, or sold as after-market batteries. These batteries can overcharge, overheat, smoke and burn. The batteries are: ARM TS30W2 and N38W2; ChemBook 3015E; HyperData MediaGo 2320; Jetta Jetbook 9120; MPC Nomand 1500; PC-Club ENP-325W2; Sceptre Soundx 6600 and 6900; Systemax SW-14, SW-15; and Ultra TTX 9200. The batteries recalled are labeled as "RECHARGEABLE BATTERY". A label on the side of the recalled battery contains two sets of numbers, the first set being "00", the second set being either "99" or a number less than 52. The letter "P" must be on the first line on the label. The OEM batteries were included in notebooks sold between October 1999 and October 2001, for prices ranging from $1800 to $2500. If you have one of these batteries, stop using it and call (877) 475-3425 to order a free replacement battery.
Dell has a recall for similar batteries used in Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000e, Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ models, and Inspiron 3700 and 3800 models. These batteries can overheat when being recharged, smoke, and possibly catch fire. The batteries were included with new notebook computers, or sold as replacements. The description of these batteries is similar to the batteries listed above. The batteries were included with Inspiron 5000 and 5000e notebooks sold from January 2000 through March 2001 for between $2,100 and $3,100. Replacement batteries sold for $100 to $130. The Latitude, 3700, and 3800 batteries were included with new computers, or sold separately and from June 2000 through September 2000. These computers sold for $1,500 to $3,000. Replacement batteries sold for between $100 and $170. Users of these batteries should stop using them, and call Dell at (877) 237-3355 to order a free replacement.
About 55,000 batteries used in older Compaq Armada E500 and V300 notebook computers have been recalled. These batteries can be identified by a date code and serial number on the white label to the right of the battery connector. The recalled batteries have a date code TCGK with a serial number from 00001 to 10500, 20001 to 21800, and 40001 to 83100, or date code TCHK with a serial number from 40001 to 44700. These notebooks were sold from June 2000 through July 2000 for $1,800 to $3,800, and replacement batteries sold for about $165. Users should stop using the batteries and contact Compaq (now a part of HP) at 800-652-6672. The official recall ended on July 1, but according to the HP website the batteries can still be replaced.
Apple users are not immune to recalls. Some time ago Apple voluntarily recalled 570,000 AC adapters that were sold with early versions of its PowerBook G3s. These power supplies could overheat and pose a fire hazard. According to Apple, "The recall includes only AC adapters with a two-pin connector that came with Apple Macintosh PowerBooks or that were sold separately. The small rectangular black AC adapter box has a permanently attached cord on one end that connects to the computer and a detachable two-prong cord on the other end to plug into an AC outlet. It is approximately 4.75 inches long by 2 inches wide. The label located on the side of the adapter reads in part, "Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter" and "Model Number: M4402."
These AC adapters were included with PowerBook G3s sold from May 1998 through March 2000. These were also sold as accessories for about $69. If you have one of these AC adapters, stop using it and call Apple at (866) 277-2096 for a free replacement.
These have not been the only notebook computer related recalls. Older notebooks from Dell, IBM, Digital, Compaq, and other makers have also been recalled for battery or other power related problems. A directory of these recalls is online at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/electron.html. This listing also includes other computer related safety recalls, such as scanners, digital cameras, power supplies, batteries, uninterruptible power supplies, surge protectors, printers, memory, and related peripherals. I strongly suggest that computer users periodically check this list, as well as the websites of their computer and peripheral manufacturers. For example, HP lists safety recalls on the bottom of its main page at www.hp.com. Using the search feature on the Dell site at dell.com recalls on monitors, mice, batteries, and other items could be located.
We need to be sure that our computers and peripherals are physically safe to use, and replace those that are not.
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