Sony recalls flawed Vaio laptops

Sony announced that it was recalling 4,40,000 Vaio laptop computers due to a wiring flaw that could cause overheating. Sony said the recall involves 19 models in the Vaio TZ series manufactured between May 2007 and July 2008. The company said improperly placed wires near the hinge connecting the body of the laptop and its display could wear quickly, causing a short circuit and overheating.

Sony has received 209 reports of overheating worldwide, including seven cases in which people received minor burns. The laptop problem comes two years after several computer makers were forced to recall a total of more than 10 million laptop batteries made by Sony because of possible overheating. The recall cost Sony about 430 million.

Hot wiring

Improperly placed wires near the hinge connecting the body of the laptop and its display could wear quickly, causing a short circuit and overheating