Sony, which apologized earlier this week for its problematic laptop batteries, has recalled yet another batch of the lithium ion modules because they could overheat and create a fire hazard.
The Japanese electronics giant recalled an additional 340,000 computer batteries used in Fujitsu, Toshiba, Gateway and Sony's own notebook computers. Model numbers and other details are in the official recall notice.
"There have been 16 reports of notebook computer batteries overheating, causing minor property damage and two minor burns," the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement. "All of these reported incidents and injuries have been associated with earlier recalls of notebook computer batteries containing these Sony cells. There have been no incidents involving batteries sold by the notebook manufacturers participating in this announcement."
The agency said the recalled batteries are in some Fujitsu laptops sold between June 2005 and October 2006. The recalled batteries are found in Gateway notebook computers solid between September 2005 and October 2006; Toshiba notebooks sold between September 2004 and October 2006 are equipped with the recalled batteries and Sony computers sold from December 2004 and October 2006 carry the potentially dangerous batteries.
The CPSC says consumers should remove the affected batteries from notebook computers until they contact their computer manufacturer and receive further instructions. Batteries covered by the recall will be replaced free of charge. Consumers should use only batteries obtained from their computer manufacturer or from an authorized reseller, the agency said.
