News
Compaq Issues Recall for Notebook Adapters
Compaq
Computer Corp. on Friday announced plans to recall approximately 1.4 million AC
power adapters that it’s bundled since 1998 with notebook computers in both the
U.S. and abroad.
The PC
giant acknowledged that as many as 600,000 users in the U.S. could be affected
by the recall, with an additional 800,000 affected worldwide.
Compaq
maintained that the recall is voluntary but said that it was made “in
cooperation” with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The PC giant
indicated that the AC adapters pose a fire hazard because they’re prone to
overheating. It also confirmed that it had received reports about a number of
fires that were allegedly caused by the faulty power adapters.
Compaq said
that the faulty AC adapters were sold for use with its Armada, Prosignia and
Notebook laptops from September 1998 through July of 2001. Adapters affected by
the recall feature the following model series numbers (which are located under
the “Compaq Computer Corp.” brand on the adapter label).
Because of
the potential for danger, Compaq recommended that users immediately remove the
recalled adapters from service. The PC giant said that users could get a free
replacement adapter by calling it at (888) 302-7689.
A host of
other vendors have issued recalls in the past for similar reasons. Earlier this
summer, Apple Computer Inc. cited the risk of fire when it recalled almost
600,000 adapters used with its older PowerBook laptops. And in 2000, IBM Corp.
issued a recall for approximately 300,000 adapters because of fire risks,
as well.
About the Author
Stephen Swoyer is a Nashville, TN-based freelance journalist who writes about technology.