Dell, Apple, Lenovo, and other global laptop makers have already recalled more than 8 million Sony batteries and now, Gateway is recalling 14,000 batteries used in its notebook PCs after four of its customers complained that their computers were overheated. The battery cells have been made by Samsung Electronics Company Limited while they have been amassed into battery packs by Simplo Technology Company Limited, of Taiwan. Samsung hasn’t commented on the recall. Some of the notebooks that fall under the recall are the Gateway 400VTX and 450ROG series notebooks sold between May 2003 and August 2003. The defected batteries have been recognized by part numbers 6500760 or 6500761 and have a “made by SMP” on the label pasted on the underside of the battery pack. Gateway spokeswoman Lisa Emard said: The root cause of this failure becomes apparent as the batteries age and perform repetitive charging cycles. Of the four customer complaints, one had caused minor property damage while the others simply overheated. Thanks Heavens! It’s not Sony this time. Via: InfoWorld
Recall
Sony’s laptop batteries are again becoming a problem. Last year, Toshiba recalled 830,000 notebook batteries and now, they have made a recall for another 10,000 Sony laptop batteries. Three of the machines were reported to go up in smoke between September 2006 and June 2007. No injuries have been reported, but the recall has once again raised the concerns with the Sony notebook batteries. The new recall caters to two models, the Satellite A100/A105 and the Tecra A7. The details of the part numbers and instructions for the battery exchange have been put up on the Toshiba web site. Sony in problem: Last year, nearly 10 million Sony manufactured hazardous batteries were recalled and that reportedly cost Sony approximately $418 million. The new recall by Toshiba is small but the situation might get worse. Moreover, customers will think ten times before opting for a laptop integrating Sony manufactured battery. It’s the high time Sony should come out with a solution to the burning problem.
