Prompt's TechBlog

HP has had to recall approximately 16,000 notebook batteries after reports that they have been burning and overheating. This comes after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a report on Thursday regarding the batteries. This isn't just relevant to America though; this is just the latest in a series of HP recalls worldwide.

This latest setback comes just six months after HP recalled 135,000 other units. However, it seems it may be all too easy to single out HP - Dell and Apple have also had similar problems.

The batteries that HP is currently recalling are those with barcode numbers beginning L3 and may be found in HP and Compaq notebooks. Furthermore, HP Pavilion notebooks with model numbers dv1xxx, ze2xxx, HP Compaq family notebooks nx48x and Compaq Presario models V2xxx and M2xxx may also be affected.

The faulty batteries can overheat and melt or singe plastic housings posing the threat of burns and fire risk. So far, there has been one minor injury reported and 11 cases of minor property damage. Consumers who find that their batteries are in those batches affected will receive a free replacement. HP has also started a battery replacement programme on their website to deal with the returns/recalls.