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Compaq Recalls Notebook AC Adapters
rotifer writes: "Compaq is recalling 1.4 million power adapters as fire hazards. I have one of these sitting on my living room floor right now. Compaq says in their FAQ on the subject "Compaq urges customers to discontinue use of the recalled AC adapter and to order a replacement adapter immediately." and that "We expect customers to receive their adapters within 5-10 days". Which means, of course, 5-10 days of not being able to use the computer. Has anyone had one of these things blow up on them? How dangerous is it to keep using it while waiting for the replacement part?" Only you can prevent notebook fires.
If I recall from one of the myriad of articles, there have been 5 fires linked to those brands. While waiting for the replacement, I recommend only plugging in the power supply while you are present - that way you can notice the smoke/flame before it gets out of hand.
Does anyone here actually read the link before they start yammering away about fires, etc.?
Compaq received 5 reports of fire that were contained to the cases of the AC adapters. None of these reported incidents involved personal injury. Compaq and its AC adapter manufacturer consider this a potential risk due to the possibility of fire, and are taking these proactive measures to ensure the safety of our customers.
5 cases of fire out of 1.4 million units, and none of them were really all that bad. So don't worry about the fire too much. If it really pains you to go without power to your laptop for several days, which is entirely probable, just don't return it. Then if it does catch fire, you're still pretty safe because Compaq already admitted to a defect.
(As an aside, I could almost have one of these, but it's not the correct series. Woo hoo!)
Where the wind blows, the tumbleweed goes.
Yes, but part of the danger is not knowing the hazard exists. Since it has been discovered and publicized, corrective or preventive measures (including yours) can be taken.
The power supplies are as dangerous, but the danger level has fallen.
I like fire ants. They are very spicy!
137 unfunny "AC means Anonymous Coward" posts on this thread. The only halfway original comment gets moderated down.
I'll see your asses in metamod.
-- In the future, everyone will code Perl for 15 minutes. --