Fujitsu Siemens Computers (Munich, Germany) reported that a battery defect in its Amilo notebook range could cause the units to overheat and possibly catch fire. The company has implemented a proactive exchange program on lithium-ion batteries in specific AMILO notebook products. The company took the decision to implement the exchange program after receiving a limited number of customer reports of a defect in the batteries.
The company recommends that on specific models, including the Amilo A, M and Pro V2020 notebooks, customers should stop using the batteries immediately, and operate the notebook device with the ac power adapter only. To identify whether a battery needs to be replaced, customers should remove the battery from the computer and view the battery label. If the label has a number ending with G1L1, the battery should be exchanged. If a battery does not have this specific number ending, it is not dangerous.
The defective batteries have been shipping through distributors, resellers and retail stores since October 2004. Fujitsu Siemens also warned that the fire-risk batteries may have been sold separately as a second battery source. The exchange program will provide a replacement battery free of charge. No other AMILO, AMILO Pro or LIFEBOOK notebook batteries are involved in this exchange program. A special website has been set up to assist customers with the exchange program at http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/support/batteryexchange/index.html.