Apple has asked 128,000 notebook computer users to return their PowerBook or iBook batteries on the off-chance the components could overheat and catch fire.

The batteries were produced by South Korea's LG Chem, which also made the 15in PowerBook batteries Apple was forced to recall last August.

The recall, which covers all 12in and 15in PowerBooks, and 12in iBooks sold worldwide between October 2004 and May 2005, inclusive. The batteries in question are model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079, with serial numbers HQ441 - HQ507, 3X446 - 3X509 and 3X446 - 3X510, respectively.

You can view your battery's model and serial number by removing the cover and taking a peek.

Apple is only replacing batteries with those specific serial numbers. If your battery does, contact Apple via this website and it will ship you a new one free of charge.

Apple said the risk of combustion was very small. The recall comes after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission received six reports of batteries overheating, two from the US and the rest from around the globe. ®

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