Thousands of Irish customers are affected by the decision of Dell Computers to recall 4.1 million of their laptop computers because of a risk that the batteries could overheat and catch fire.
It is the biggest recall in the 22-year history of the world's largest personal computer maker.
The Dell-branded lithium-ion batteries which are being recalled were made by Sony. A spokeswoman for Dell Ireland said the risk of the batteries catching fire was "remote, but in the interests of safety we are recalling all affected batteries".
Dell Ireland will not compensate customers whose batteries are being recalled but says that they will receive a replacement battery within seven to 20 working days of sending back the recalled batteries.
The affected batteries were sold between April 1st, 2004, and July 18th, 2006. Customers in Ireland should contact Dell either through its website or freephone number to determine if their laptop battery is part of this recall. Dell Ireland will cover the costs of sending the affected batteries back to the manufacturer.
A wide range of Dell laptops sold in the business, gaming and personal computer sectors here will be affected, according to Dell Ireland. Those with AC adapter and power cords can continue to use their laptops until the replacement battery arrives, after first turning the system off and ejecting the battery.
As well as being sold in the laptop package, some batteries being recalled were sold separately or as part of a service replacement. The identification number for each battery appears on a white sticker. Customers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall.
"In co-operation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies worldwide, Dell is today announcing the voluntary recall of approximately 4.1 million Dell-branded lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony
"Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could cause a risk of fire," Dell Ireland said in a statement. There has so far been a "strong response" from members of the public here. Dell will try to contact all affected customers in the next couple of days via e-mail or telephone.
Potentially affected batteries are also used by other computer makers, including Apple Computer Inc, which said it was looking into the issue. Hewlett-Packard Co says its laptops were not affected by the recall.
Dell says no injuries have been tied to the defect. The company has so far received six reports of batteries overheating, causing damage to furniture and personal belongings. Dell's website is www.dellbatteryprogram.com and the free phone number is 00800 3033 4044.