The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Laptop battery recall" ...
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Leading to the Dell Battery Recall
Dell Computers initiated the largest recall of electronic goods in history, possibly influenced partly by this story. Consumer Affairs looked into a report from a woodsman in rural Arizona who said a Dell computer "engulfed his truck." His 1966 Ford F-250 exploded in a fire caused by the laptop, a situation which became even more dangerous thanks to the bullets in the gentleman's glove compartment, sending bystanders diving behind boulders. The man, Thomas Forqueran, provided photos and documents to verify his story. Following the battery recall, Consumer Affiars further reported that Dell may have been aware of the potential problems.
Tags: Laptop battery recall; laptop battery instability; burned computers
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Burning Laptops
Dallas' KVTV investigates overheating laptop batteries, eventually leading to a Consumer Product Safety Commission recall of nearly 10 million batteries due to fire hazards. The station received a tip after a consumer's laptop burst into flames, and the subsequent investigation found that lithium ion laptop batteries were susceptible. Experts asserted that the attempt to pack too much power into such a small device was leading to the overheating. Because there had been relatively few fires, this issue was not widely known, nor were the manufacturers taking steps to improve it. The story is ongoing, as technology continues to evolve.
Tags: Laptop; fire; combustible; overheat; computer; battery; consumer; danger