If it’s Sony, it’s more dangerous laptop batteries

Toshiba announced today that it’s recalling 1,400 laptop batteries because they pose a risk of overheating. The recall affects the company’s Satellite A100, Satellite A105, and Tecra A7 notebook models. This small recall comes just a month after Toshiba reissued 10,000 batteries that it said could catch fire. In all cases, the batteries were made by — who else? — Sony.

During the past couple years, Sony has become synonymous with bad portable batteries. Last year it recalled nearly 10 million units that powered a range of notebook brands; the recall cost the firm $418 million.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says Toshiba is putting out this latest recall after receiving three complaints — outside the U.S. — of overheated batteries; no injuries were reported.

If you own one of the affected Toshiba models, download the diagnostic software here to see if you’re entitled to get a free — presumably safe — battery from the company.

Posted in: Sony

About Machinist

Cyrus Farivar is a freelance technology journalist who regularly reports for National Public Radio, PRI’s The World, The Economist and others. His forthcoming book is “The Internet of Elsewhere.”

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