Dell recalls laptop batteries

PC giant Dell has recalled batteries used in some of its notebook computers after one of its customers' machines short-circuited and caught fire.

Dell, which is recalling about 27,000 batteries, said the component can short-circuit even when it is not in use, "potentially causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire".

The defective batteries were included in two of Dell's notebook computer ranges and shipped directly to US customers from 22 June to 15 September 2000, and from 22 June to 4 October 2000 into Europe, the Middle East and Africa. About 20 per cent of the 27,000 are believed to be in Europe.

Dell, which said the recall only involves the specified batteries and not the computers themselves, has received only one report of a battery short-circuiting and catching fire, but said it has announced the recall with its customers safety in mind.

"There has been one incident reported and the chances of other batteries catching fire is remote," said a spokeswoman. "But we are taking proactive and voluntary action in recalling the batteries as the customers' safety is paramount."

The recall will cause further embarrassment for Dell, after a virus closed down the company's Limerick production plant in May this year. Dell was forced to recall about 12,000 units after it found the Funlove virus in one part of its production system.

The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell computer models: Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ, which are aimed at businesses and consumer models, and the Inspiron 3700 and 3800 (as described on labels on the underside of the computer).

Dell said it is contacting all customers who bought one or more of the notebook computers or batteries during the above dates. The spokeswoman said a courier will collect the component, and customers affected will receive two replacement batteries.

More information about the recall is available at http://support.dell.com/battery.