Qantas Bans Dell Laptop Batteries, Apple Recalls 1.8 Million

More news on the Dell battery issue. Up first: Australian airline Qantas has enacted a rule that Dell laptops subject to the recent battery recall can only be used if they have their batteries removed. Security personnel have been reported as removing the batteries at security checkpoints and taping up the contacts. The official rules are unclear and are being enforced haphazardly, so if you'll want to check with the airline if you're flying on Rain Man's favorite carrier in the next few weeks.

How do you use a laptop without the battery? With an Empower adapter for your laptop and a prayer that your plane includes the appropriate port (it's different than a standard plug and a cigarette lighter adapter). The Kensington A/C adapter I've recommended in the past includes an Empower plug.

Meanwhile, Apple has just recalled a whopping 1.8 million batteries as well. Get the full details here.

In related news, scandal is starting to stir over the whole battery ordeal, with reports emerging that Dell and Sony knew about this problem in October 2005 but waited close to a year to do a recall "until those flaws were clearly linked to catastrophic failures causing those batteries to catch fire." More news as this develops.