Sony recalls 438,000 Vaio laptops due to overheating risk

Sony has recalled some 438,000 potentially defective high-end Vaio TZ series laptops. One Canadian has already suffered minor burns from an overheated machine.
9/5/2008 8:00:00 AM By: Nestor E. Arellano

The risk of burns due to overheating has prompted Sony to issue a worldwide recall of some 438,000 units of the company's high-end, line of ultra-lightweight Vaio TZ series laptops.

Among the 70 incidents of overheated Sony laptops reported as of Thursday is the case of an unidentified Canadian who suffered minor burns. Sony Canada did not release the identity of the victim or any details of the incident.

The Canadian branch of the global tech product maker, however, called on users of some 3,800 TZ series machines sold in the country to contact Sony agents immediately if they are worried their laptops might be affected by the defect.

The models in question are those with series number starting with VGN-TZ.

Sony suspects the defect is present in about 19 models of the series manufactured between May 2007 and August 2008. These are high-performance laptops have a 11.1-inch screen and weigh only 2.6 lbs. The units retail for $1,899 to $4,000 each. The Vaios are manufactured in Sony's own factory.

Initial investigations indicate the overheating is caused by "irregularly placed" wires near the laptop hinge or a dislodged screw in the hinge assembly, according to Candice Hayman, Sony Canada spokesperson.

These components, she said, create a short circuit or "localized overheating."

"If you are currently experiencing this problem, immediately power off the unit, unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery. Then contact Sony," Hayman said.
In as statement Sony said users should call 1-866-726-1934 or visit http://esupport.sony.com/fixmypc to get more information and to arrange for a free inspection or repair of their machine. Users, it said, should call Sony directly and not return units to the stores they were purchased from.

Users who do not think their Vaio is malfunctioning can continue to use the laptop but should call Sony at the earliest sign of trouble.

Instead of calling it a recall, Sony referred to the procedure as a "voluntary free inspection and repair program."

Following the registration of the affected unit at the support Web site, Hayman said, Sony will provide the customer with the location of the most convenient authorized depot. Sony can also arrange free pickup and return delivery of the unit, but will not be buying off any laptops from the customers, she said.

Early yesterday morning, Sony, in co-operation with the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission called on users of recalled machines to immediately stop using them as they pose a burn hazard to users.

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