Apple recalls laptop batteries

Computer maker recalls rechargeables in iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 due to overheating, fire risk.

May 20, 2005: 8:48 AM EDT


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Friday that Apple Computer is recalling a rechargeable battery used in its iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers, due a risk of overheating and fires.

The commission's statement said Apple is recalling about 128,000 of the batteries sold in the United States. It said the computer maker has received six reports worldwide of batteries overheating due to an internal short, including two U.S. reports. The batteries are made by LG Chem Ltd., of South Korea.

The batteries are used in the 12-inch iBook G4, the 12-inch PowerBook G4 and the 15-inch PowerBook G4. The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510. The model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the battery, which can be read when the battery is removed from computers.

The agency said consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and plug the computers in with an AC adapter until a replacement battery arrives.

Apple will arrange for a free replacement battery. The computer maker's phone number to arrange for a replacement is (800) 275-2273, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT. The replacement batteries can also be ordered on its Web site.