California computer manufacturers Hewlett-Packard and Apple issued recalls for lithium-ion batteries on certain notebook computers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the orders for both companies. Both companies’ batteries experienced the same problems, which is overheating and possible melting due to an internal short.
Apple computers affected include the 12-inch iBook G4, the 12-inch PowerBook G4 and the 15-inch PowerBook G4. These batteries were manufactured by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea. The numbers on the Apple batteries include:
12-inch iBook G4 – A1061 – HQ441-HQ507
12-inch PowerBook G4 – A1079 – 3X446-3X510
15-inch PowerBook G4 – A1078 – 3X446-3X509
Apple said exchange isn’t a problem. Contact them to verify the information and a battery will be issued. Once received, just send back the defective product. They warned also to check recently purchased replacement batteries for these computers as well as the iBook G3.
HP’s recall seems a little more extensive. Their recalls total about 135,000 worldwide and 85,000 in the U.S. They said they’ve received reports on 16 overheating batteries but no one had been injured. They recommended advice similar to Apple’s. Contact them and they will make arrangements to ship a new battery to the consumer.
The recalled battery packs for HP are labeled with bar codes starting with GC, IA, L0 or L1. There are several models of computer listed including some in the HP Pavillion, HP Compaq, Compaq Presario and Compaq Evo product lines.
The HP batteries were purchased between Mar 2004 and May 2005. The Apple batteries were listed in October 2004 to May 2005. In both cases, computer users should not use the computer with the batteries until the replacement arrives. They said to keep it strictly to the power cord.
This wouldn’t be the first time Apple’s had problems with batteries either. They had problems with iPod batteries several months ago. It took a little effort to get Apple moving but they eventually got it together. Because this particular case is government mandated situation, it’s moving a bit smoother.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
