14 DAY TRIAL // HP is, currently, the greatest PC supplier on the planet, having shipped a total of desktops, notebooks and netbooks that clearly exceeds the performance of Dell and Acer. However, even the top player isn't perfect. In fact, over the years, certain issues, mostly related to fire hazard, have prompted the company to officially issue a recall of its products. On that note, notebook battery-replacement programs have been announced over the past several years, after quality checks and end-users’ reports revealed that said batteries posed real risks.
Just days ago, on May 19, HP commenced its latest replacement program, which covers older portable PC models like dv2000, dv6000, dv9000 and Compaq mobile systems, constructed during the August 2007-July 2008 period. This is not the first replacement program that HP started. The previous were begun in 2005 (October 14), 2006 (April 20) and 2008 (October 30). The most recent one has been going on since May 14, 2009, was revised on October 2009 and had Hewlett-Packard recalling about 70,000 models. This newest program is, in fact, an expansion of this one.
The reason behind this move on the company's part is a number of reports, 38 to be exact, that it received from its customers. Said buyers had noted instances of the batteries catching fire and even causing minor personal injury. All those who believe their product qualifies can submit their request on this page on the official company website.
“We are taking this action as part of our commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our notebook customers. We are proactively notifying you of this issue and are prepared to replace all verified battery packs,” the official announcement states. End-users are advised to immediately cease making use of their batteries, should they be among those affected, and wait for a new one to be sent via mail.