Dell Recalls 4.1 Million Laptop Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

By Susan J. Campbell

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

One of the advantages of laptop computers is the ability to be mobile and powerful batteries delivering hours of productivity have made that mobility more of a reality. However, even the most mobile professional may not desire as much flexibility if the result is hazardous – such as explosions and fire.

 

Dell (News - Alert) Inc. announced on Monday that the company will recall 4.1 million laptop computer batteries due to a potential fire hazard. The lithium-ion batteries featured in the recall were installed in 4.1 million laptops purchased between April 2004 and July 18 of 2006. Dell released the list of affected laptops which includes:

 

·        Latitude D140, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800 and D810;

·        Inspiron 6000, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 500m, 510m, 600m, 6400, E1505, 700m, 710m, 9400 and E1705;

·        Precision M20, M60, M70, and M90 mobile workstations;

·        XPSTM, XPS Gen2, XPS M170 and XPS M1710.

 

While certain reports indicated that the batteries could not only overheat and cause explosions, Dell’s report on the situation wasn’t quite as sensational. The company responded to inquiries about the recall by stating that under rare conditions, it is possible for the lithium-ion batteries to overheat, which can then cause a fire.

 

Dell also strongly encouraged customers to visit the company Web site or call toll-free (866) 342-0011, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

 

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which investigated the fire hazard, this recall of Dell batteries is the largest in the history of the consumer electronics industry.

 

While Dell is showing proper responsibility for their products, customers may be discouraged to find out that a replacement battery could take up to 20 business days to arrive. Until the batteries arrive, these individuals will be restricted to mobility only as far as their wall cord will allow.

 

Dell conducted a lead-up investigation along with Sony – the battery manufacturer – including six incidents within the US since 2004. Many different laptop manufacturers use Sony batteries, which could indicate a larger problem is on the horizon. For the time being, a recall is not planned of any other batteries, although further investigation into other companies could be ongoing.

 

Lithium-ion batteries have been cited in recalls of other laptop models from such manufacturers as Hewlett-Packard (News - Alert) and Apple (News - Alert). Dell also made voluntary recalls of 22,000 laptops in December 2005, 284,000 in 2001 and 27,000 in 2000. The lithium-ion batteries are also used in cell phones, camcorders, digital cameras and other consumer electronic products.