By DAVID KOENIG, AP Business Writer Tue Aug 15, 7:04 PM ET
DALLAS - Dell Inc.'s record-setting recall of 4.1 million notebook computer batteries raised safety concerns about the power source of countless electronic devices, but experts said the problem appears to stem from flaws in the production of the laptop batteries, not the underlying technology.
Dell Inc. is recalling battery packs made for the following models of notebook computers that were shipped between April 2004 and last month:
Dell Latitude D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800, D810.
Dell Inspiron 6000, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 500m, 510m, 600m, 6400, E1505, 700m, 710m, 9400, E1705.
Dell Precision M20, M60, M70, M90.
XPS, XPS Gen2, XPS M170 and XPS M1710.
The batteries were also sold separately for $60 to $180, including to customers on service calls.
Each battery bears an identification number on a white sticker. Customers should have the number handy when they call Dell to learn if the battery is covered by the recall.
The company planned to launch a Web site, http://www.dellbatteryprogram.com, at 1 a.m. CDT on Tuesday. Customers can also call a toll-free Dell number, 1-866-342-0011, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT.
Dell said the notebooks can be safely used on an A/C power cord if the battery is removed first
But Forrester analyst Ted Schadler said the recall could depress notebook sales to businesses if the fire hazard causes regulators to ban the machines from planes.
Maybe i shouldn't bt with my laptop turned on overnight anymore =]]
