Toshiba, Fujitsu and Sony are readying recalls too. The word has spread through Nikkei. According to them, as many as one million units will be recalled.

This happened only a few hours after 526.000 batteries were recalled by Lenovo and IBM that were caught with their pants down. The lithium-ion batteries were (are) used in ThinkPad notebooks. I was wondering at that time what are the other Sony clients waiting for. And I'm glad they didn't wait too long. (Well, only a few moths since the first incident).

The U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. They released a "guide" on how to handle batteries.

First of all, the user should be aware that at least 47 incidents were reported. On the list of things you do NOT want to do:

- Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible or not, contact the product manufacturer.

- Computer batteries can get hot during normal use. Do not use your computer on your lap!

- Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.

- Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.

- Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

- Avoid dropping or bumping the computer. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the computer and battery. If you suspect damage, contact the manufacturer.

- Do not place the computer in areas that may get very hot.

- Do not get your computer or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.

This guide is a bit like... "use your left hand, not your right one, to scratch your left ear" or "to walk, move your legs", but I guess there must be at least a few people who can find it useful, so something like this can never hurt.