Apple Recalls Batteries for 15-Inch PowerBook G4s

Apple Computer is recalling certain lithium ion rechargeable batteries which shipped with its aluminum 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptop computers from January to August 2004, following incidents where the batteries overheated and could present a fire hazard.

Affected batteries were manufactured during the last week of 2003 by LG Chem Ltd., of South Korea. They all bear the model number A1045 and serial numbers beginning with:

• HQ404
  
• HQ405
  
• HQ406
  
• HQ407
  
• HQ408
  

These batteries shipped in aluminum PowerBook G4 systems with 15-inch displays; no other PowerBooks or iBooks are affected. The batteries were also sold separately. Users can find the serial number of a battery by removing it from the computer (shut it down first!), and checking the label on the battery’s bottom.

Affected U.S. customers can get a free replacement battery by entering contact information plus computer and battery serial numbers on Apple’s battery exchange Web site; Apple will ship a new battery to you free of charge along with a pre-paid shipping envelope to return the recalled battery to Apple. Customers outside the U.S. will need to contact Apple via a local support phone number. Users who need to exchange more than three batteries must contact Apple directly at 800/275-2273, or at a local contact number outside the U.S.