Gateway Inc. Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries
Gateway Inc., of Irvine, Calif., is recalling about 14,000 Gateway Lithium Ion Battery Packs. These lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, which could pose a fire hazard to consumers. This is not an internal battery cell defect. Gateway has received four reports of battery packs overheating, including minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The recalled battery packs were shipped as the primary or spare battery pack for some Gateway 400VTX and 450ROG series notebooks, and are identified by part numbers: 6500760 or 6500761. The part number and "made by SMP" are printed on a label on the underside of the battery pack.
The equipment was sold by Gateway's professional and direct distributors and Gateway Country stores nationwide from May 2003 through August 2003. The computers with these batteries sold for between $1,200 and $2,400 and individual batteries sold for between $60 and $90.
Consumers should stop using these recalled batteries immediately and contact Gateway to receive a replacement battery. Consumers can continue to use the notebook computers safely by turning the system off, removing the battery pack, and using the AC adapter and power cord to power the system until the replacement battery is received. For additional information, contact Gateway at (800) 292-6813 or visit http://www.gateway.com/battery.