HP has recalled 135,000 battery packs sold with its popular notebook computers, as these components could pose a burn risk to users.
The problem has led to some batteries overheating due to an internal short circuit, and although at the time of writing less than 20 over-heating reports have actually been confirmed (12 outside the US), that hasn’t stopped HP from erring on the side of caution, with the firm offering to freely replace relevant battery models.
These components were manufactured by an unnamed third-party and then imported from China and Taiwan. They are found in Pavilion, HP Compaq, Presario and Evo notebook models made between March and September last year (these units all feature a bar code label starting with either GC, IA, L0 or L1).
In this region, a HP Middle East spokes-woman told Windows that no battery problems have been confirmed to date. However, she admitted that problem stock could have made it into this region.
“Customer service and safety are top priorities for HP,” she said, “therefore we have announced the voluntary recall of the third-party battery packs that we use in certain notebook models.”
However, she added that problems are only really likely if a battery has already started to display signs of overheating, such as discolouration or deformity.
HP worldwide has also set-up a dedicated web site so that conscientious consumers can check whether their batteries are amongst those possibly affected (find this site at www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement).
This site talks users through how to validate their laptop batteries in order to check if they qualify for replacement or not. If that’s the case, the next step is getting in touch with a HP service centre or one of the firm’s certified partners.
The Models in Question:
HP Pavilion – 4200, dv7000, dx4000, dx5000, dx7000, zd8100, ze4100, ze4100/xt1xx, ze4200, ze4300, ze4400, ze4500, ze4600, ze4700, ze4800, ze5155, ze5200, ze5300, ze5400, ze5500, ze5600, zv5000, zv5200, zx5000, zx5200.
HP Compaq Presario – 1100, 2100, 2500, R3000, R3200, V1000, X4000, X5000, X6100.HP Compaq – 9000, 9005, nc6000, nc8000, nw8000, nx9005, nx9008, nx9010, nx9100, nx9105, nx5000.
HP Compaq Evo – N1010v, N1050v.
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