The announcement comes after four reports of Gateway notebooks overheating over the past years. One of the incidents caused "minor property damage," according to Gateway. The batteries in question are used in two models of its laptops, the 400VTX and 450ROG, sold in the U.S. between May and August 2003.
"The root cause of this failure of the battery showed that cells age and performed repetitive recharging cycles. After a thorough analysis of the four incidents, Gateway took strong measures to implement a battery exchange volunteer programs in the interest of safety customers, "said company spokeswoman Lisa Émard.
Gateway says Simplo battery packs containing Samsung cells are to blame for the four incidents. This recall is independent of last year's massive recall of more than 10 million Sony-made batteries for most major PC manufacturers like Dell, Apple, Lenovo, Acer, Gateway and others. Sony batteries in question was cut short due to a defect in the manufacturing process, and PC manufacturers are forced to seek other battery manufacturers and simple, to fill emergency orders.
Gateway says customers can contact the company directly to find out if your battery is on the list and get a free replacement.
