Synopsis:
Vendor recalls: Information regarding laptop battery recalls

Solution:
Please contact the OIT Help Desk if you have questions about your computer and any recall issued by a vendor.

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March 1, 2007: Lenovo Recalls ThinkPad Extended-Life Batteries Due to Fire Hazard.
Lenovo has voluntarily recalled approximately 208,000 9-cell lithium-ion batteries. These batteries were manufactured for use with ThinkPad notebook computers that shipped worldwide between November 2005 and February 2007. Lenovo is currently offering free-of-charge replacement batteries due to two unrelated battery recalls.

Lenovo sold the batteries with new ThinkPad notebook computers or as optional or replacement batteries on the models listed below:

• ThinkPad R60 and R60e Series
• ThinkPad T60 and T60p Series
• ThinkPad Z60m, Z61e, Z61m, and Z61p Series

If the battery in the laptop is struck forcefully on the corner, such as from a direct fall to the ground, the battery pack can overheat and pose a fire hazard to users. This is not an internal battery cell defect. Lenovo has received four reports of batteries overheating and damaging the notebook. This caused damage to the notebook computers, minor property damage and, in one case, minor eye irritation to one consumer.

Customers should contact Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 anytime, or log on to www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram to determine if the battery is part of the recall and to order a replacement battery. For more information, including pictures of the recalled product, please see: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07118.html

September 2006: Lenovo and IBM Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies, have announced the voluntary recall of approximately 526,000 lithium-ion batteries manufactured by Sony Corporation. These batteries were manufactured for use with specific ThinkPad notebook computers that shipped worldwide from February 2005 to September 2006. In the interest of public safety, Lenovo will offer customers free of charge replacement batteries for all recalled batteries.

Customers who bought a system listed below may have a battery subject to this recall.

• R Series (R51e, R52, R60, R60e)
• T Series (T43, T43p, T60)
• X Series (X60, X60s):
• Battery Part Number
• ASM P/N FRU P/N
• 92P1072 92P1073
• 92P1088 92P1089
• 92P1142 92P1141
• 92P1170 92P1169/93P5028
• 92P1174 92P1173/93P5030

Along with the part number, every battery has a unique identifier known as the 11S bar code. This bar code is key to identifying if the battery is affected by the recall. If you believe you have one or more of these affected batteries, please see: www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram.

Additionally, since these batteries work with any T4x Series or R5x Series system, customers who ordered an extra battery or received a replacement battery for any T4x or R5x Series notebook PC between February 2005 and September 2006 may also have a battery subject to recall.

Batteries affected by this recall should not be used. You can continue to safely use your ThinkPad PC by turning off the system, removing the battery, and plugging in the AC adapter and power cord to power the system.

September 2006: Apple Computer is recalling certain lithium-ion, rechargeable batteries that were used with various models of the the 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch Powerbook G4, and the 15-inch Powerbook G4 sold between October 2003 and August 2006. There is a possibility that these batteries can overheat, which could cause a fire risk. Anyone with a computer that has an affected battery can deal directly with Apple. Apple's exchange form is available at: Apple Battery Recall.

To view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the battery, you must remove the battery from the computer. The battery serial number is printed in black or dark grey lettering beneath a barcode. Affected batteries are:

• 12" iBook: Battery model number A1061 with the following serial numbers
  • ZZ338 - ZZ427
  • 3K429 - 3K611
  • 6C519 - 6C552 ending with S9WA, S9WC or S9WD.
    
• 12" PowerBook: Battery model number G4A1079 with the following serial numbers
  • ZZ411 - ZZ427
  • 3K428 - 3K611
    
• 15" Powerbok G4: Battery model number A1078 and A1148 with the following serial numbers
  • 3K425 - 3K601
  • 6N530 - 6N551 ending with THTA, THTB, or THTC
  • 6N601 ending with THTC
    

August 2006: As has been widely reported, Dell has identified a potential issue with certain batteries sold with some Dell laptop computers. Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire.

OIT is working with Dell to obtain replacement batteries for affected computers purchased through Princeton University. Students who have purchased SCI computers have been informed if their batteries are affected. SCAD/DCS staff are being contacted about affected computers in their departments. Dell expects to provide new batteries to OIT in mid-September. At that time, OIT will contact everyone affected with details about the battery exchange.

Until new batteries are available, Dell recommends immediately removing the old battery from the computer and using AC power only. The old batteries must be returned as required by law, so OIT will be collecting the old batteries as part of the battery exchange. Questions can be directed to the OIT Help Desk, 258-HELP(4357), e-mail to helpdesk@princeton.edu.