Post-recall battery fire

Despite Apple's recall last year of over 1.8 million batteries, Apple notebooks are still catching fire, writes Computerworld. The latest report comes from an Australian MacBook owner, who says he was fortunate to have a roommate spot his computer hissing and smoking. After extinguishing the fire, the battery proved to be swollen and charred, suggesting an obvious cause. Surrounding magazines and furniture were damaged.

Critically, it is claimed that prior to this incident the battery had been checked for recall eligibility, and appeared to be safe. Neither were there any foreshadowing symptoms such as deformation or excess heat. "We were damn lucky not to have a house burnt to the ground," the owner said in a forum post. "I have been out for most of the weekend and this night was the only night I had it charging." Local Apple representatives have offered to replace the MacBook, and may be willing to compensate for property damages.

by MacNN Staff