More Laptops Exploding!

Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:57AM EDT

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This weekend another laptop went up in flames, this time at LAX, one of the busiest airports in the world. The shocker is that this wasn't a Dell or Apple, which have had millions of faulty batteries recalled, but rather an IBM ThinkPad, which hasn't even been mentioned in the recall alerts.

The story goes that a guy who'd already boarded his flight noticed something funky and came sprinting out the jetway, just moments before his laptop burst into flames on the floor, where it burned for several minutes before someone had the wisdom to hose it down with a fire extinguisher.

No response from IBM or Lenovo yet, which complicates things: No one is sure how old this machine is or who it was manufactured by (Chinese company Lenovo has been making ThinkPads for over a year now and just sticking the IBM logo on them as part of the purchase arrangement).

Are all laptop batteries at risk now? I wish I had the answers, folks, but right now it's a wait and see situation until we hear about more recalls, more explosions, or both. Hang in there.

Comments on More Laptops Exploding!

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  • 6 Posted by ajak_villa on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Is there a sign (eg sound, smoke etc) before a laptop explodes? Will a laptop explode when its not on?

  • 7 Posted by sheemalakameeda on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    There was a recall on Lenovo (IBM) Thinkpad batteries atleast two months ago. It made front page news of a few websites, I received my new battery last month. The batteries stick out and if over charged and bumped, it could explode.

  • 9 Posted by johnrlindsay on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    Please explain to me how the new FAA rules will prevent a similar laptop meltdown from happening in the future. As I see it, this IBM was in full compliance with the new rules.

  • 10 Posted by funsummer20 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    I can't believe an IBM Thin pad exploded. But I still don't know why laptops explode.Why?Because the battery? "uh"?

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