Apple recalls 1.8 million batteries

Because of a risk of fire, Apple Computer is recalling 1.8 million batteries that use Sony’s battery cell technology, which also was at the root of Dell’s historic recall last week.

The Mac maker’s recall, while not as large as Dell’s, affects users of its iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 laptop models sold between October 2003 and August 2006, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Users are advised to remove the batteries immediately and store them in a safe place.

Apple said it has gotten nine reports of batteries overheating, including two cases in which users reported minor burns and property damage. However, it says no serious injuries have been reported.

“These lithium ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers,” the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a press release Thursday.

Additional information can be found by calling 1-800-275-2273 or visiting an Apple Web page for the recall. The page, likely flooded with traffic, was experiencing difficulties loading Thursday.

Apple’s recall involves 1.1 million batteries sold in the United States and an additional 700,000 sold overseas online and through retail stores and resellers. The recall is the second-biggest safety recall ever in the U.S. electronics industry, after Dell.

Last week, Dell announced a recall of 4.1 million batteries, the largest recall in the history of the consumer electronics industry. Dell’s batteries used cells manufactured by Sony that could potentially short-circuit and cause a fire, even if the notebook is off.

Full story: ZDNet News