Sony Recalling Vaio Laptop Computers

[Ioman]

"Japanese electronics and entertainment company Sony Corp. said Thursday it is recalling 18,000 Vaio laptop computers because a faulty assembly of the modem could result in a minor electric shock to users.

The two recalled Vaio models went on sale in May - 13,000 in Japan, 3,000 in the United States and 2,000 in Europe, the Tokyo company said.

A person who touches some metal parts in the back of the laptop might feel a slight electric shock when the dial tone goes off while using the modem, spokesman Shigenori Fujita said.

The modem is also unusually slow when using an adapter to connect to an outlet, he said. Several cases of the slow modem were reported in Japan, but no cases of electronic shock have been reported and it will not cause bodily injury, Fujita said.

The recall costs, including shipping and repair, will total an estimated 500 million yen ($4.2 million), the company said."

If you know which models are being recalled, please post them here.

[sonyman]

Do you have a link for the above posting? A *shock* from the modem? My modem does not conduct electricity. My cordless phone does, to an extent. But an electrical shock from a modem? I need some verification here please. A link would suffice.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by sonyman
Do you have a link for the above posting? A *shock* from the modem? My modem does not conduct electricity. My cordless phone does, to an extent. But an electrical shock from a modem? I need some verification here please. A link would suffice.

Here are two:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2003Jul10.html
http://www.newsday.com/technology/bu...logy-headlines

[sonyman]

Where in the article does it explicitly state which models will be recalled? I still need more clarification. These are a little vague. Reminds me of the allegations Saddam had bio/nuclear weapons. That made the paper too. But where are they?

[Ioman]

Originally posted by sonyman
Where in the article does it explicitly state which models will be recalled? I still need more clarification. These are a little vague. Reminds me of the allegations Saddam had bio/nuclear weapons. That made the paper too. But where are they?

Thats what I am thinking. Chances are Sony does not want this out on the net, but is contacting the owners individually to address the problem. It probably helps to control costs related to the mess.

[Ioman]

Here is more info: http://www.eetimes.com/sys/news/OEG20030714S0073

Model numbers:
"The notebook computers subject to recall are among the A4-sized notebook PCs marketed since May 2003. A total of 13,000 units were sold in Japan as a part of Vaio FR series, with 3,000 units shipped to the United States as a part of PCG-FRV25 and PCG-F RV27. About 2,000 units were shipped in Europe. "

[sonyman]

Has anyone been able to substantiate these spurious claims with model numbers?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by sonyman
*spurious claims*

LMAO!!!

[sonyman]

I am eagerly waiting someone to substantiate these spurious claims. Perhaps a good soul will add some clarification.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by sonyman
I am eagerly waiting someone to substantiate these spurious claims. Perhaps a good soul will add some clarification.

Why not call Sony? They probably aren't publicising the models and are contacting registered owners of the affected models directly.