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:
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.
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.
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)
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.
PC guy: Hi, I’m a PC
Mac guy: and, I’m a Mac. I like to be as helpful as possible, my Dashboard can give lots of useful information, from a Krispy Kreme store locater to stock tickers, the nearest coffee shop to the cafeteria’s food schedule.
PC guy: I can be very helpful too.
Mac guy: Really, thats cool. What do you do?
PC guy: I can light cigars.
Mac guy: And, how do you do that?
PC guy: I like to heat up and catch on fire
Mac guy: Thats pretty neat, but, uhh, isn’t that a bit dangerous…
PC guy: Not really, here I’ll imitate a fireworks show.
[PC guy catches on fire and explodes]
Now that wouldn’t make anyone buy Mac, but it would be entertaining to watch the big explosion…
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? :ahh:
