WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2000 -- Dell Computer Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 batteries used in notebook-style personal computers. The batteries can short circuit, even when the battery is not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Dell has received one report of a battery short-circuiting and catching fire. The incident resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported.

The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ, and Inspiron 3700 and 3800. The batteries also were sold separately, including in response to service calls. The batteries insert into the front-left and/or front-right of the computer. "DELLTM" and "MADE IN JAPAN" are written on the batteries. The batteries' identification number is written on a white sticker. Consumers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall.

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Dell's web site and catalogs sold computers with these batteries, customer kits containing the batteries, and individual batteries from June 2000 through mid-September 2000. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $1,500 and $3,000, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $170.

Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall. To contact Dell, call toll-free at (877) 741-6420 anytime, or go to the firm's Web site. Consumers also can write to: Dell Computer Corp., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682, or fax them at (512) 283-7261.

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