Sony Recalls Laptops On Burn Concern

Sony recalls laptops on burn concern

News.com.au

(Link to check if your laptop is affected. https://support.vaio.sony.co.jp/cgi-bin/che...tz/en/input.cgi )

SONY has launched a voluntary recall of 438,000 Vaio notebooks, citing a potential hazard that could cause the machines to overheat or possibly burn a user.

It is one of the biggest computer recalls since 2006 when Dell recalled 4.1 million notebook computer batteries because they could overheat and catch fire.

The recall affects Sony Vaio TZ-series models sold between May 2007 and July 2008, and includes those sold in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Sony has recently discovered that within certain units of its VAIO "TZ series" notebook, a symptom may arise in which the unit's plastic could be deformed in the DC jack inlet or LCD surrounding area due to extreme high temperatures," the company said in a statement.

Sony received 15 reports of overheating, including one of a consumer who suffered a minor burn, the US Consumer Products Safety Commission said.

The flaw, in Sony's VGN-TZ100, VGN-TZ200, VGN-TZ300 and VGN-TZ2000 series computers, is related to "irregularly positioned wires near the computer's hinge and/or dislodged screw inside the hinge" that can cause a short circuit and overheat, the agency said.

"This poses a burn hazard to consumers."

"Sony has initiated a voluntary program to perform a free inspection and, if necessary, a repair to ensure these units meet our high quality standards."

No fires have been caused by the fault, Sony said, and affected laptops can be inspected free of charge at a Sony service centre.

The company has been dogged in recent years by recalls of laptop computer batteries amid concerns they would overheat and catch fire.

In 2006, Dell, Apple, Lenovo, Toshiba and some other PC makers recalled more than 8 million Sony batteries.

Sony declined to comment on the potential cost it will incur to repair the computers.