Over four million laptop batteries were recently recalled by computer manufacturer Dell. Shortly thereafter, Apple recalled its own batch of 1.8 million batteries.
Statements on both companies' official Web sites trace the defects to cells manufactured by the Sony Corporation of Japan.
"Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire," reads a letter to Dell's customers.
Some months before these recalls were announced, there were already pictures of flaming or charred laptops from both manufacturers circulating the Internet.
Fourth-year College student Aaron Shedlock said he learned about the recall while studying for the MCAT. He said he was glad people paid enough attention to the event that he actually heard about it despite his busy schedule.
First-year College student Alex Rocca said he learned about the recall because his brother was one of the many customers affected.
"It's nice at least that they're being responsible about it," Rocca said, adding that Dell's battery exchange procedure seemed fairly simple.
While Rocca said he was not certain whether there is a quality control problem in the computing industry, he did note that there may be flaws in the system.
"These companies usually tend to rush things to the market," Rocca said.
Furthermore, he said he is not certain his next computer purchase will be a Dell.
However, Rocca also said the recall could actually help the industry.
"Hopefully, it will prompt these manufacturers to get better fans and cooling systems," Rocca said.
Some students were not necessarily concerned with the ramifications of the recall.
Shedlock said he did not think this recall was indicative of a larger problem.
"I don't think stuff like this happens very often," Shedlock said.
According to Rocca, the recall left him with mixed feelings about his own computing habits.
"It does make me a little bit more leery about using laptops," Rocca said, adding that his own computer often feels like it is overheating.
On the other hand, Rocca said he thinks laptops are an indispensable tool.
First-year College student Jonathan Wood said he was not surprised about the large number of machines involved, given the quantity manufactured in a small amount of time.
"If I was surprised, it would be that they were making defective ones that were passing their standards," Wood said.
Shedlock said the spotlight on this event could bode well for future incidents.
"If any event like this should happen in the future, the problems that can occur could be minimized," Shedlock said.
But do consumers generally heed such safety recalls?
"In a situation like this, I don't know if it's important enough to most people," Rocca said.
Rocca contrasted this recall with the one involving Firestone tires several years ago, noting that his family was quick to respond to potential tire blowouts.
This time around, only time will tell, but Wood praised people's reaction to the problem thus far.
"I think they've done a fairly good job of putting the fire out before it started," Wood said.
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