Fujitsu recalls 300,000 laptop batteries

Fujitsu is recalling almost 300,000 Sony-manufactured laptop batteries, due to potential fire hazard.

Fujitsu joins Dell, Apple, Toshiba and Lenovo in issuing a recall. Between them, the other manufacturers have already taken back almost 7m Sony laptop batteries.

HP, which also uses Sony-manufactured batteries in its laptops, is so far insisting that it is not affected by the problem, and will not be initiating a recall.

Sony started its general battery recall on 28 September. Sony also makes laptop batteries for companies including Sharp and Hitachi.

Fujitsu said, “As of this time, we are not aware of any instances of battery pack problems involving Fujitsu notebook PCs similar to those that have been announced by Dell and Apple Computer.

“Nevertheless, in response to Sony's recall announcement, we have decided to cooperate with Sony's voluntary battery replacement programme. Specifically, we plan to offer voluntary replacement of the Sony-made battery packs in some Fujitsu notebook PC models.”

Fujitsu laptops covered by the recall include the Lifebook P1510, P1510D, P7120, P7120D; the Lifebook S7020, S7020D, S7025, S7025D; and the Lifebook C1320, C1320D.