«

Dell, the computer-maker whose quality control and sales have been
SLIDING for more than 2 years, issues a recall of 4 million Sony-made
laptop batteries following fires and fears!

-----

"Fire Hazard Causes Dell To Recall Laptop Batteries"

"Action Affects Over 4 Million Devices"

By Sara Kehaulani Goo and Annys Shin
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, August 15, 2006; A01

Dell Inc. said yesterday that it would recall 4.1 million lithium-ion
batteries for laptop computers after several dangerous incidents in
which the batteries burst into flames and damaged other property.

The move by the world's largest PC maker marks one of the biggest
safety recalls in the history of consumer electronics and serves as a
setback for Dell, which has been hit by stiff competition and steep
customer-service costs, causing earnings to tumble and its stock price
to lag in recent months. The recall is also likely to intensify reviews
underway at agencies that have been studying the dangers of battery
packs commonly used in many electronic devices, from iPods to portable
DVD players and cellphones.

The National Transportation Safety Board last month held a hearing
about the safety of lithium batteries on airplanes after a fire
occurred Feb. 7 on a cargo jet. The UPS plane, which was carrying
lithium-ion batteries, among other items, caught fire in flight and
landed safely in Philadelphia. Investigators have not announced the
cause of the fire and have not made any safety recommendations about
the transportation of such batteries.

In a separate incident, a Dell laptop ignited during a conference
several months ago in Japan. Digital photos from the event posted at
online news sites show flames shooting from the laptop, as if an
explosion had occurred, leaving burn marks on the green tablecloth
under the computer. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which
said Dell brought the situation to the agency's attention under federal
guidelines, said the company has documented half a dozen such
accidents.

"We feel we have determined what the problem is and that problem has
been corrected. Considering the volumes of lithium-ion batteries used
in the world today, not just in notebook computers . . . the incidents
involving some kind of overheating are really quite rare," said Jess
Blackburn, a Dell spokesman. "We certainly have our customer safety at
the front of our concerns."

The recalled batteries, components of which were made by Sony Corp.,
were used in several types of Dell Latitude, Inspiron, Precision and
XPS models sold from April 2004 through July 2006 through the company's
catalogue, Web site or over the phone. Consumers are advised to stop
using the batteries immediately and contact Dell for a replacement at
http://www.dellbatteryprogram.com , which the company said would be
online as of today. Customers may continue to use the computers by
turning them off, ejecting the battery and using the power cord
instead.

Sony said the recall would have a financial impact on the company but
declined to discuss details. "Sony is very sensitive and concerned
about the quality of our products and safety of our products," said
Rick Clancy, a Sony spokesman. "We are supporting Dell's recall."

The problem of lithium-ion batteries overheating is not new, and
consumer groups and the aviation safety communities have long been
concerned. Battery packs contain cells that sometimes contain
microscopic metal pieces, which can become overheated when they come
into contact with other components. Usually, when a battery overheats,
it causes the computer to shut down. In a few cases, however, the
battery has ignited. No one has died in such an accident, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission said.

"Once the battery reaches incredibly high temperatures, it doesn't have
a mechanism to vent heat or cut itself off," commission spokesman Scott
Wolfson said. The Dell recall stemmed from a quality-control issue, he
said.

In an incident last month, Thomas Forqueran, 62, of Arizona, was
loading his truck and smelled smoke. Flames were shooting out of his
Dell Inspiron laptop, which he had placed on the passenger side of the
vehicle, and spread as the fire ignited ammunition that was also in the
truck. The truck, a 1966 Ford F-250 passed down from his father, was
destroyed by fire.

"I see Dell commercials half a dozen times a night, saying 'What can we
build for you today?' " Forqueran said. "And I say, 'Grandpa's truck.'
"

Consumer electronics companies play down the safety hazard of
lithium-ion batteries, saying that such incidents are rare. Sony said
there have been only "a small number" of fires linked to lithium-ion
batteries. Sales of the batteries are rising rapidly, the Portable
Rechargeable Battery Association said. It said that 2 billion
lithium-ion cells, used in making the batteries, are to be sold this
year.

The recall yesterday was not the first for Dell, which has recalled
more than 330,000 batteries in the past six years because of
overheating problems.

The most recent recall came in December and involved about 22,000
notebook computer batteries. Dell had received three reports of
batteries overheating. No injuries were reported. In May 2001, Dell
voluntarily recalled about 284,000 batteries, warning they could
"become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire," a safety
commission news release said.

Seven months earlier, Dell had recalled about 27,000 batteries, saying
they could "short circuit, even when the battery is not in use."

Problems with overheating rechargeable batteries have led to recalls at
several other well-known laptop computer retailers, including
Hewlett-Packard Co. and Apple Computer Inc.

In documents, the NTSB detailed several dozen fires in cargo shipments
and on planes that could be linked to various kinds of batteries. The
Federal Aviation Administration also is reviewing the issue. In 2004,
rechargeable lithium batteries in a plastic case started a fire during
cargo loading at a FedEx hub in Memphis. In March and June 2005,
packages of rechargeable lithium batteries caught fire while being
shipped.

Staff writer Del Quentin Wilber contributed to this report.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...081400881.html

"MissSouth" <> wrote in message
news: ups.com...
> Dell, the computer-maker whose quality control and sales have been
> SLIDING for more than 2 years, issues a recall of 4 million Sony-made
> laptop batteries following fires and fears!
>
> -----
While I am not impressed with Dell, I find it hard to blame them for
batteries made by Sony.
--
Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer.
Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does
not go nearly as well with pizza. --Dave Barry

In article <Fu->,
says...
> "MissSouth" <> wrote in message
> news: ups.com...
> > Dell, the computer-maker whose quality control and sales have been
> > SLIDING for more than 2 years, issues a recall of 4 million Sony-made
> > laptop batteries following fires and fears!
> >
> > -----
> While I am not impressed with Dell, I find it hard to blame them for
> batteries made by Sony.

Don't discount the way they're used, in particular the charging
circuit/method.

--
Keith

"Keith" <> wrote in message
news: T...
> In article <Fu->,
> says...
>> "MissSouth" <> wrote in message
>> news: ups.com...
>> > Dell, the computer-maker whose quality control and sales have been
>> > SLIDING for more than 2 years, issues a recall of 4 million Sony-made
>> > laptop batteries following fires and fears!
>> >
>> > -----
>> While I am not impressed with Dell, I find it hard to blame them for
>> batteries made by Sony.
>
> Don't discount the way they're used, in particular the charging
> circuit/method.
>
> --
> Keith

Since I don't own a Dell, I have not really cared much about this. Is the
problem something to do with the PC's and not the batteries? If that the
case I am sure the lawyers will soon let us know since there will surly be
someone getting sued here.
--
Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer.
Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does
not go nearly as well with pizza. --Dave Barry

In article <>,
says...
> "Keith" <> wrote in message
> news: T...
> > In article <Fu->,
> > says...
> >> "MissSouth" <> wrote in message
> >> news: ups.com...
> >> > Dell, the computer-maker whose quality control and sales have been
> >> > SLIDING for more than 2 years, issues a recall of 4 million Sony-made
> >> > laptop batteries following fires and fears!
> >> >
> >> > -----
> >> While I am not impressed with Dell, I find it hard to blame them for
> >> batteries made by Sony.
> >
> > Don't discount the way they're used, in particular the charging
> > circuit/method.
> >
> > --
> > Keith
>
> Since I don't own a Dell, I have not really cared much about this. Is the
> problem something to do with the PC's and not the batteries? If that the
> case I am sure the lawyers will soon let us know since there will surly be
> someone getting sued here.

It really could be either, but the (battery) technology has had a
lot of troubles. Cell phones have been known to burst into flames
too. The battery in my XM MyFi Radio was replaced as a "recall"
(they sent me a new battery and instructed me to replace it
immediately) about six months ago.

There is a lot of energy in those little batteries. If someone
lets the magic smoke escape it's going to be noticeable.

--
Keith

"Keith" <> wrote in message
news: T...
>
> It really could be either, but the (battery) technology has had a
> lot of troubles. Cell phones have been known to burst into flames
> too. The battery in my XM MyFi Radio was replaced as a "recall"
> (they sent me a new battery and instructed me to replace it
> immediately) about six months ago.
>
> There is a lot of energy in those little batteries. If someone
> lets the magic smoke escape it's going to be noticeable.
>
> --
> Keith

Weren't the Cell batteries that were problems counterfeits? I had read a
couple articles about that, but the ones I read blamed it on batteries that
had been made then had a fake label put on them. I had read that some even
made it into the supply stream of the manufacturers, which caused the
"recall". I know I used to buy Cell batteries from the cheapest place I
could find them until I read about this. I decided from now on to just buy
from the big name places. Same with things like flash memory. I had bought
several 512 jump drives and SD cards off Ebay. I guess I got lucky as I
later found out the same problem was going on with these. Now if
Wal-Mart.com has what I need they are my first choice even if they are
slightly higher. At least I know with them if there is ANY trouble all I
have to do is take it to any store and it's a no hassle return.
--
"Little girls like butterflies, need no excuse".

Lazarus Long

In comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips Keith <> wrote in part:
> Don't discount the way they're used, in particular the
> charging circuit/method.

Agreed. Short of mechanical damage, it's rather rare for
anything to happen to a battery that is just sitting there,
not receiving or providing current.

But do anything and you will get heat. Even "floating"
there will be heat from the 60 Hz ripple and the charging
overvoltage and internal resistance.

If the heat isn't properly removed (HSF?!?) temperature will
increase pretty much without limit until it is removed.

-- Robert

In article <>,
says...
> "Keith" <> wrote in message
> news: T...
> >
> > It really could be either, but the (battery) technology has had a
> > lot of troubles. Cell phones have been known to burst into flames
> > too. The battery in my XM MyFi Radio was replaced as a "recall"
> > (they sent me a new battery and instructed me to replace it
> > immediately) about six months ago.
> >
> > There is a lot of energy in those little batteries. If someone
> > lets the magic smoke escape it's going to be noticeable.
> >
> > --
> > Keith
>
> Weren't the Cell batteries that were problems counterfeits? I had read a
> couple articles about that, but the ones I read blamed it on batteries that
> had been made then had a fake label put on them. I had read that some even
> made it into the supply stream of the manufacturers, which caused the
> "recall".

That's the story they're trying to tell. FWIG, Li-Ion chemistry is
pretty fickle and the charger has to be designed for that
particular cell (some laptop batteries have electronics in them) so
this excuse may even be close to the truth.

BTW, apparently it's not only Li-Ion that has problems. I've heard
some pretty bad horror stories from model airplane hobbyists using
fast charge NiMH batteries too. According to the reports, a couple
of cars have been taken out by these things.

> I know I used to buy Cell batteries from the cheapest place I
> could find them until I read about this. I decided from now on to just buy
> from the big name places. Same with things like flash memory. I had bought
> several 512 jump drives and SD cards off Ebay. I guess I got lucky as I
> later found out the same problem was going on with these.

Buying on the cheap always has its risks. I'm looking for memory
for my laptop (1GB DDR2 PC2-5300, IIRC). I've always used Crucial,
but not sure if the 50% margin is worth it. I know the next 50%
for the manufacturer's part isn't.

> Now if
> Wal-Mart.com has what I need they are my first choice even if they are
> slightly higher. At least I know with them if there is ANY trouble all I
> have to do is take it to any store and it's a no hassle return.

They'll put the magic smoke back in the battery?

--
Keith

"Keith" <> wrote in message
news: T...
>> Now if
>> Wal-Mart.com has what I need they are my first choice even if they are
>> slightly higher. At least I know with them if there is ANY trouble all I
>> have to do is take it to any store and it's a no hassle return.
>
> They'll put the magic smoke back in the battery?
>
> --
> Keith

LOL, no I don't know if they sell Batteries for Cell. I meant for PC stuff
like memory. I had someone who knows a hell of a lot more about these things
(PC's) than I do recommend NewEgg. I was wanting an external drive to use as
a back up so I ordered one from them. Came to me DOA. Then I found that to
send it back to them I had to pay shipping and pay them to "re stock" their
defective ****. That was the last time they will get me. I ordered another
one from Wally. It worked, but if it had not all I would have had to do was
take it to one of their stores.
For my cell batteries I guess I will just buy from whichever carrier I am
using at that time. They are about twice as much but what the hell how many
am I going to ever buy? Rather than risk it I will just order an extra from
them.
--
"Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites.
Moderation is for monks."

[Lazarus Long]

On Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:46:18 -0400, Keith <> wrote:

>In article <>,
> says...
>> "Keith" <> wrote in message
>> news: T...
>> >
>> > It really could be either, but the (battery) technology has had a
>> > lot of troubles. Cell phones have been known to burst into flames
>> > too. The battery in my XM MyFi Radio was replaced as a "recall"
>> > (they sent me a new battery and instructed me to replace it
>> > immediately) about six months ago.
>> >
>> > There is a lot of energy in those little batteries. If someone
>> > lets the magic smoke escape it's going to be noticeable.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Keith
>>
>> Weren't the Cell batteries that were problems counterfeits? I had read a
>> couple articles about that, but the ones I read blamed it on batteries that
>> had been made then had a fake label put on them. I had read that some even
>> made it into the supply stream of the manufacturers, which caused the
>> "recall".
>
>That's the story they're trying to tell. FWIG, Li-Ion chemistry is
>pretty fickle and the charger has to be designed for that
>particular cell (some laptop batteries have electronics in them) so
>this excuse may even be close to the truth.

Yeah, it's not clear to me where control circuitry is in the various
implementations; I believe the laptop (Thinkpad) Li-Ions have quite a bit
(most ?) of the circuitry in the battery housing - not sure about things
like digi-cams etc.

>BTW, apparently it's not only Li-Ion that has problems. I've heard
>some pretty bad horror stories from model airplane hobbyists using
>fast charge NiMH batteries too. According to the reports, a couple
>of cars have been taken out by these things.
>
>> I know I used to buy Cell batteries from the cheapest place I
>> could find them until I read about this. I decided from now on to just buy
>> from the big name places. Same with things like flash memory. I had bought
>> several 512 jump drives and SD cards off Ebay. I guess I got lucky as I
>> later found out the same problem was going on with these.
>
>Buying on the cheap always has its risks. I'm looking for memory
>for my laptop (1GB DDR2 PC2-5300, IIRC). I've always used Crucial,
>but not sure if the 50% margin is worth it. I know the next 50%
>for the manufacturer's part isn't.

I got some Patriot brand PC-3200 DDR for a recent desktop build simply
because it was on a "special combo" purchase and it's worked fine at rated
speed: 2-3-2-5-1T. OTOH I'm wary of mfrs like that who obliterate the
original chip part nos and write their own logos, and sometimes part nos.,
in its place.

--
Rgds, George Macdonald