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Dell Sued in Canada Over Exploding Batteries

By Joseph S. Enoch
ConsumerAffairs.com

January 16, 2007

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Months after Dell recalled 4.1 million batteries in the first of many battery recalls, the computer manufacturer is facing a class action lawsuit in Canada.

The lawsuit claims that the laptops that had overheating batteries will face continued problems due to exposure to the extreme heat.

Thad Griffin, of Ontario, filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of other Dell Inspiron owners. The suit alleges that Dell knew about the overheating laptops and continued to sell them.

It also alleges that the tremendous heat created by the battery and other components causes undue wear to the motherboard resulting in premature failure.

The lawsuit filed on Friday applies to Inspiron models 1100, 1150, 5100, 5150 and 5160. It seeks to have Dell Canada replace the defective computers or to cover the cost of repairs.

"Generally, we're seeing these symptoms or problems occur after the warranties run out," Joel Rochon, a partner of Rochon Genova, the firm conducting the case, said in an interview with the Canadian Press. "And it would appear as though it's a systemic problem that's inherent to all of these Inspiron models. At least, that's the feedback we're getting."

Dell refused to comment because it does not comment on pending litigation.

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