HO recalls 15,700 laptop batteries

This morning's recall affects as many as 15,700 HP notebooks worldwide, including an estimated 4,100 sold in the US, with the Pavilion, Compaq, and Compaq Presario brand names. These models may include lithium ion rechargeable batteries with a manufacture date of January 2005, whose bar code label includes the prefix L3. These systems were reportedly sold by HP throughout that year. HP, which is cooperating with the CPSC, reported at least one burn injury and eleven cases of property damage, as a result of overheating batteries that can melt or burn their plastic cases. HP has established a Web site for customers who may need replacements issued quickly.