More than 400,000 VAIO laptops are being recalled worldwide amid concerns they could overheat and burn users'... laps.
In scenes reminiscent of the 2006 exploding battery disaster, Sony is facing the massive cost of repairing or replacing the machines, sold since July last year.
According to an announcement issued by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, models covered by the recall include the VAIO VGN-TZ100, TZ200, TZ300 and TZ2000 series.
“Consumers should stop using the recalled notebook computers immediately and contact Sony to determine if their notebook is affected,” the CPSC warns. “The firm will arrange for an inspection and repair if needed.”
According to the CPSC, the problem stems from “irregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge that can cause a short circuit and overheating”. This can lead to the chance of a burn for users.
According to Reuters news reports, announcement of the recall has led to Sony’s share price slumping more than 4 per cent to its lowest point in almost three years.
The situation comes just two years after the company was forced to take back more than 9 million batteries after some spontaneously caught fire. That recall cost the company more than $US480 million to resolve and affected units manufactured by Dell, Apple and other major computer makers.
Sony emphasises that not all the VAIO notebooks in the ranges in question will be affected by the fault, and is urging any concerned owners to contact their local Sony office or retailer where the unit was purchased.
While the company remains confident that it can deal quickly with these latest problems, many industry watchers are concerned that is will be another significant blow to what is a major slice of Sony’s activities.
The company has previously announced that it considers PCs to be one of its major commercial pillars and is determined to aggressively grow its share of the global market.
More information for VAIO owners is available from http://esupport.sony.com