Apple Laptops Catching on Fire?!?!

[Amie]

There was a news special yesterday that my mother told me about (I, unfortunately, missed it). Apparently, there is yet *another* problem (I remember the battery recall that Apple did last year) with laptops catching on fire. I've Googled this but could only find last year's recall. No new news. Could someone please post a newsworthy link that details this new fire hazard with newer iBook (or maybe it's the new MacBook) models? Thanks so much!

[ElDiabloConCaca]

I don't think the iBooks are affected that much -- I remember hearing about this concerning Dell notebooks, but have not heard about widespread Apple notebook fires. I do know that some iBook G4 batteries, when left improperly charging or in a place where heat can build up rapidly (like on carpet), caught fire, but these were isolated issues.

http://www.betanews.com/article/Anot...ire/1154118238

http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/lapto...-11-177941.php

[Amie]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloConCaca

I don't think the iBooks are affected that much -- I remember hearing about this concerning Dell notebooks, but have not heard about widespread Apple notebook fires. I do know that some iBook G4 batteries, when left improperly charging or in a place where heat can build up rapidly (like on carpet), caught fire, but these were isolated issues.

http://www.betanews.com/article/Anot...ire/1154118238

http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/lapto...-11-177941.php

Hey, thanks. Much appreciated. So, there hasn't been another recall. At least, not yet.

[g/re/p]

http://www.macobserver.com/article/2006/07/31.5.shtml

Apple has started a battery exchange program for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. The program includes MacBook Pro purchases between February and May 2006. If your battery model number is A1175 and includes a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB, or U7SC, Apple will replace your battery free of charge.

[g/re/p]

...

[Amie]

OMG ... lol

OK, that's really not funny. Geez! Thanks for the info, g/re/p. I have an iBook, so I guess I'm safe. And thankfully, my battery serial number wasn't one of the models that were recalled last year.

Anyway, thanks again.

[cyprus mac man]

wow! that's one toasted notebook! i think Apple's new design for laptops should include something that will not conduct heat and burn my lap when its on my lap. it will also help with not catching fire, due to lack of heat

[Mikuro]

Originally Posted by cyprus mac man

wow! that's one toasted notebook! i think Apple's new design for laptops should include something that will not conduct heat and burn my lap when its on my lap. it will also help with not catching fire, due to lack of heat

I'm no physicist, but I think that would actually make it MORE likely to catch fir, as it would prevent heat from escaping from the inside of the machine to the outside world. If it's hot to the touch, that means it's dissipating heat; that's GOOD. Ideally the top of the laptop would provide enough heat dissipation for the whole thing, allowing the bottom to be insulated, but that would mean slower processors and other compromises to reduce heat output.

When laptops catch fire, it's usually because they've been left for too long on a spot on a surface that does not conduct and dissipate heat, like a tablecloth, carpet, or wood. If you leave it on such a surface too long, the heat will continue to build up until something catches fire. Actually, most typical surfaces are not good heat conductors, so be sure to feel the table under your laptop now and then, and if it's too hot, move to a different spot — even just a few inches away.

One thing Apple and other laptop makers could do is simply put feet on the things! If you elevate the laptop even a fraction of an inch off a table, that will allow air to flow beneath, which will really help heat dissipation. There are many third-party laptop feet and trays available to do just that.

Careful with rubber feet, though; they might melt!