Apple recall 28,000 PowerBook G4 batteries

Apple Computer Inc. has agreed to recall about 28,000 batteries used in its 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptop computers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday.

The batteries, made by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea, could overheat and pose a fire hazard to consumers, the CPSC said. Apple received four reports of these batteries overheating, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled batteries have the Model Number: A1045 and serial numbers that begin with: HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408. Batteries with the affected serial numbers contain cells that were manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd. of South Korea during the last week of December 2003 only, according to an Apple.

A message posted on Apple's website urges owners to stop using the recalled battery and to order a replacement battery immediately. "If you continue to use your battery, do not leave it unattended and check for signs of overheating," the company says.

Full details of the 15-inch PowerBook G4 Battery Exchange Program are now publicly available on Apple's website.

Apple claims to have voluntarily initiated the exchange program and will provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge.

The company says that no other PowerBook or iBook batteries are part of the recall.