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Sony recalls about 438,000 Vaio laptops

Japanese consumer electronics giant says irregularly positioned wires near the notebook hinge, or dislodged screws inside the hinge, can cause short circuits and overheating.

Margaret Kane Former Staff writer, CNET News
Margaret is a former news editor for CNET News, based in the Boston bureau.
Margaret Kane
Updated 8:13 AM PTD: Added the number of recalled laptops worldwide.

Sony is recalling about 438,000 Vaio TZ-series notebooks worldwide that may overheat and cause burns, the company said Thursday.

The number of recalled laptops sold in the United States is 72,800, a Sony spokesman said.

According to a statement issued by Sony and the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the problem is related to irregularly positioned wires near the computer's hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge, which can cause a short circuit and overheating.

The problem affects the Vaio VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series, and VGN-TZ2000 series, which were sold through the SonyStyle stores and Web site, as well as electronics retailers, as well as authorized business-to-business dealers nationwide from July 2007 through August 2008 for between $1,700 and $4,000.

Sony has received 15 reports of overheating, including one consumer who suffered a minor burn. The company said it would inspect and repair affected computers, if needed.

Consumers are advised to contact Sony toll-free at 888-526-6219 or visit the company's support Web page.

In 2006, Sony had to conduct a multimillion-dollar battery recall due to overheating issues.