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Sony is recalling its 2.15Ah Lithium Ion batteries used in Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and Dell notebook computers.
New Zealand is part of computer manufacturers' global recall of 100,000 laptop batteries made by Sony Corp after 40 incidents of overheating world-wide.
Some users reported smoke or flames. Four of the incidents resulted in minor skin burns while 21 of the cases caused damage to property, Sony said.
Details of the laptop models affected were available on the various company websites.
Laptop owners were advised to immediately remove the recalled battery from the computer and request a free replacement battery through the company's website.
After removing the recalled battery, the AC adapter can be used to power the computer until a replacement battery arrived.
Sony said the defect appeared to have been caused by a problem with a production line during October 2004 and June 2005.
Its own VAIO notebook computers were not affected by the recall.
In 2006 Sony was hit by recalls of almost 10 million of its batteries for laptop computers because of fears they could catch fire, burning a deep hole in the Japanese giant's profits.
- NZPA
