Dell Laptop Battery Recall

[Katie Reynolds]

I received this e-mail from one of my professors today - thought it might be of some interest to the Dell users on CD!

Hello,

Dell has issued another battery recall. Laptops and extra batteries purchased in the period from April 1, 2004 and July 18th, 2006 may be affected. As there are many people with University and individually owned laptops, EECN decided to email this to all its customers.

From the Dell web site:
Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire.

--------------------------

Potentially affected batteries were sold with the following models of
Dell notebook computers or separately as secondary batteries:

Latitude: D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800, D810
Inspiron: 500M, 510M, 600M, 700M, 710M, 6000, 6400, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 9400, E1505, E1705
Precision: M20, M60, M70, M90
XPS: XPS, XPS Gen2, XPS M170, XPS M1710
------------------------------------

Thanks for your attention in this matter.

See the Dell Battery Return Program site for more information.

[Michelle Celio]

I've got two dell laptops, and neither of them are on the recall list. What makes me wonder though how RD857 is on the recall, and RD850 isn't. Kind of makes me worry because I've got a RD850.

[Jay H 237]

This isn't the first time for Dell. They had a previous battery recall about two years ago.

I also wonder if there's a possibility that other brands may be affected. A lot of these companies don't make thier own parts, that's where the suppliers come in. It's possible that who ever supplies batteries to Dell could also supply other makes. Dell may just have certain specs that they require (or don't) and that's where the difference comes in.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

The batteries in question were manufactured by Sony.

[lukevanoort]

Interesting, I'm typing this on an Inspiron 8600. Maybe I'll get a new battery just to have a new battery. (I'm not really that worried about the fires)

[skimoose]

Originally Posted by Jay H 237

This isn't the first time for Dell. They had a previous battery recall about two years ago.

I also wonder if there's a possibility that other brands may be affected. A lot of these companies don't make thier own parts, that's where the suppliers come in. It's possible that who ever supplies batteries to Dell could also supply other makes. Dell may just have certain specs that they require (or don't) and that's where the difference comes in.

I think this has more to do with Dell's (or their vendor's) battery charging circuitry, than the battery manufacturer. I'm almost positive that the batteries in question are lithium ion type. These batteries are known for being very unstable to overcharging. The reason why some Dells are recalled and some are not is because the stock batteries are either NiCads or NiMh. Only the extra long life batteries are Li poly.

Just another reason why FIRST still uses robust lead acid gel cells for the main battery. Most of us have seen a couple of battery fires (or near fires) at FIRST competitions, can you imagine how many flaming batteries would be littering the playing field if we were using Li polys?

[Bill_Hancoc]

Originally Posted by Michelle Celio

I've got two dell laptops, and neither of them are on the recall list. What makes me wonder though how RD857 is on the recall, and RD850 isn't. Kind of makes me worry because I've got a RD850.

Similier situation...i dont remember my numbers but i have noticed that my bat. does get really hot when its turned on

[dez250]

More information can be found on the Dell Battery Replacement website at https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/

[RoboMadi]

I got lucky again

Only XPS series thats not on the recall list is XPS M140.... Whew!

[sciguy125]

Originally Posted by RoboMadi

Only XPS series thats not on the recall list is XPS M140.... Whew!

Actually, I have the Insprion 630m (same as the 140, but from the business website - it was on sale at the time). I was hoping that it was recalled because my battery is starting to loose capacity. It's lost about 5%. My battery is reporting itself as being manufactured by Panasonic, by the way.

[RoboMadi]

Originally Posted by sciguy125

Actually, I have the Insprion 630m (same as the 140, but from the business website - it was on sale at the time). I was hoping that it was recalled because my battery is starting to loose capacity. It's lost about 5%. My battery is reporting itself as being manufactured by Panasonic, by the way.

Mine is not that old. So far the battery has been working fine (from Sony), easily providing 3+ hours. I actually bought mine through a promotion, so mine is not only BusinessTab but also includes a Media Center. If you're laptop is still under warranty you can claim a new battery; it might has to go through Panasonic, but still possible i think.

[team222badbrad]

I checked to see if the battery for my inspiron 8600 was recalled a few days ago and it was not. :-)

I was hoping to get a new battery as mine is half dead!

I think most of the batteries being recalled are secondary batteries that are used in the CD drive slots.

Anyway, my battery was manufactured by Sanyo.

[Greg Marra]

I was pretty worried that the battery from my laptop was going to be recalled even before I got it.

A friend of mine who has a MacBook Pro fell under their battery recall as well.

[coreyk]

Apple Recalls 1.8 Million Laptop Batteries

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/te...ebatteryrecall

[Andrew Blair]

Originally Posted by coreyk

Apple Recalls 1.8 Million Laptop Batteries

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/technology/23cnd-apple.html?ex=1172030400&en=9721c3becb088673&ei=50 87&excamp=GGGNapplebatteryrecall

I'm actually kinda glad- we won't be seeing any Apple commercials where the guy in the suit gets caught up in a lithium fire...