Dell laptop explodes 'like fireworks'
Oh no, not again
Another Dell laptop has burst unexpectedly into flames. This one, an Inspiron 9200, spontaneously combusted this week in Columbus, Ohio. The blaze was caught on camera.
According to a report on website ConsumerAffairs.com, the laptop went up "like fireworks", its owner, Douglas Brown, claimed. Brown called the emergency services then grabbed his camera and took a few snaps of the infernal Inspiron:
One laptop, on fire
What's not yet clear is whether Brown's laptop is one of those covered by the major battery replacement programme Dell put in place a year ago. Certainly, some Inspiron 9200s were included. If Brown's machine was, it doesn't appear from the ConsumerAffairs.com story that he had returned his original battery to Dell.
If he had - or if his 9200 was not one of those covered by the recall - it raises the possibility that a lot more laptops are going to have to have their batteries checked. Given recent claims made by Japanese boffins that the design of lithium-ion power cells is inherently "flawed", perhaps they should be in any case.
Thanks to Register Hardware reader Emanuel for the tip
COMMENTS
Re: Dell Laptop Fire
I wouldnt believe anyone from Ohio, he probably set it on fire to keep himself warm. Dell will prob do a safety capture on it and it will be investigated.
Barbie fodder...
Here in Spain the Dell laptop is reveered as the nations fave.
Spain is noted for its love of the BBQ but the Spanish frequently forget firelighters.
In steps the Dell, regular as clockwork - saves the day....!
Thank you Dell, for such educational, functional and sometimes pretty firelighters.
Penlites? Omnibook 300!
In 1993 HP introduced the Omnibook 300.
The battery pack could be replaced by 4 AA batteries.
386 SXLV CPU and 640x480 9" LCD.
Windows 3.1, BIll wil probably denie any involvement.....
Anyone interested in a 40MB HDD model?
Nothing much going on today?
"the laptop went up "like fireworks","
What kind of "fireworks" would that be then? Or is it simply not sensational enough to say the laptop overheated and flames appeared.
"Brown called the emergency services then grabbed his camera and took a few snaps"
As opposed to first thinking of his own safety, that of his family (if he has one) and the safety of his home. Or would that not have been sensational enough?
"What's not yet clear ........................"
Is, frankly, the reason for running a story based on one questionable source - unless a wee bit of sensation is needed to jazz up an otherwise slow Monday.
"If he had - or if his 9200 was not one of those covered by the recall"
Or, if he had accidentally spilled lighter fluid on it or, if he had just downloaded some really hot porn or, if he was using it while it was sitting on his stove - and on and on. Really, whatever happened to having facts before a story is written?
Re: Battery Recall... or Send it back if you read this?
So it's Dell's fault for not sending a letter out, that may or may not have gotten there?? And it's NOT the consumers responsibility to check their battery when they hear about battery recalls?? Really??
I can see where you're coming from, but honestly, NOT checking your battery in this case is like leaving your Mercedes unlocked on a street corner in Harlem. Yeah, I feel bad that your car got stolen, but at the same time, you're a freaking moron.
