PC vendors recall more blazin' Sony batteries

Just when you thought your crotch was safe again...

Computer vendors are recalling about 35,000 Sony laptop battery packs in the US based on reports of the batteries overheating and catching fire.

A US Consumer Product Safety Commission notice today announced the voluntary recall, warning that owners should stop using the product immediately.

The recall concerns certain Sony brand lithium-ion batteries used in laptops made by Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba, and Dell.

HP notebooks affected are Pavilion, Compaq Presario, and HP Compaq notebooks sold from December 2004 though June 2006.

Toshiba models are Satellite and Tecra notebooks sold from April 2005 to October 2005.

Dell models are Latitude and Inspiron notebooks sold between November 2004 and November 2005. A full list of the specific models is available here. The CPSC reckons about 35,000 units have been sold in the US, with an additional 65,000 batteries worldwide.

The commission said there have been 19 reports of the batteries overheating, including 17 reports of the units catching fire. Ten occurrences resulted in minor property damages and two consumers experienced minor burns.

Sony blames the defect on adjustments on its manufacturing line from October 2004 to June 2005, which may have affected the batteries' ability not to erupt into flames.

CPSC said users should remove the battery from their laptop and contact the manufacturer to request a replacement. ®