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Thread ID: 70086	2006-06-21 21:06:00	Dell Laptop explodes	KiwiTT_NZ (233)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
465034	2006-06-21 21:06:00	See story and pictures here (www.theinquirer.net) We don't have any further details of the model of the computer in question. In light of the evidence, however, we'd suggest you avoid actually using a laptop on your lap. Ouch.And these are our corporate standard. Ssshhheeesssshhhh.	KiwiTT_NZ (233)
465035	2006-06-21 22:53:00	That laptop didn't have one of those recalled batteries in them did it?	somebody (208)
465036	2006-06-22 01:12:00	'HA ha' how many times have i told you DONT BUY DELL!	Skinnerjack (59)
465037	2006-06-22 01:38:00	'HA ha' how many times have i told you DONT BUY DELL! How many Dells do you know of that have exploded cf other Brands?	bonzo29 (2348)
465038	2006-06-22 01:47:00	Haha, I saw that too and while I was tempted to sling off at Dell, its really because: LiOn (lithium ion) and LiPo (lithium polymer) batteries have an enormous ability to store energy, primarily due to the use of the highly reactive metal lithium. Like its neighbours on the periodic table (potassium and sodium), lithium is so reactive that it will actually burst into flames if exposed to air or water. LiPo cells are now commonly used in electric-powered model aircraft and there are endless documented instances of such cells simply bursting into flames for no apparent reason. Likewise, the newswires have been filled with reports of cellphones and laptops doing exactly the same thing -- almost always because of this lithium-based battery technology.	pctek (84)
465039	2006-06-22 02:16:00	"no apparent reason". No. The Li Ion cells explode (the manufacturers call it "venting with flame") because ignorant people maltreat them. It's not because of the technology; it's because people are stupid. If you light a fire under a full can of petrol, things will happen. Not for "no apparent reason"; it's because you are doing something stupid. An LiIon cell will vent with flame if it is not charged correctly. They are usually packed in an intelligent battery, which has a charge control function in its microcontroller, but even those can often be charged dangerously. Individual cells have no protection. Responsible manufacturers have resisted supplying cells to non-qualified users. Manufacturers of equipment which uses them insist on people using their own packaged battery packs. Nokia have not appreciated the reports of people whose phones exploded when they used cheap third party batteries. The model aircraft people are gradually learning that you can''t treat a LiIon like an NiCd. Their magazines publish articles on how to do it correctly. Their problem is usually excessively fast charging ... they want to be flying the model, not waiting for the battery to charge.	Graham L (2)
465040	2006-06-22 02:42:00	It's refreshing to see such sensible responses rather than the fashionable trend to sling off at some particular brand with no statistical evidence whatsoever. Having said that, perhaps it's always been so, I'm old enough to remember Douglas C47s, DC3s or Dakotas crashing with at supposedly frequent rates, perhaps three times as often as the next popular aircraft, when it was pointed out that there were twenty times as many of the Douglas variants flying.	bonzo29 (2348)
465041	2006-06-22 03:20:00	I'd still like to listen in on the tech support call: Hello, this is Dell. What is your problem? My laptop just caught on fire. Have you tried rebooting the laptop Sir? Er, no, far too hot to touch the keyboard. So your PC is overheating then? Well yes it is in a way. *smoke alarms going off in the background* Can you feel hot air blowing out the back of your laptop Sir? Yes I can!! Very, very hot. Well Sir I suggest you shut down your laptop and one of our technicians will arrive the next day to look at your laptop. Er, you realise the laptop is completely engulfed in flames. It's on fire!!! Thank you for calling our hotline and I hope you have a pleasant afternoon. Good bye.	gibler (49)
465042	2006-06-22 04:39:00	I'd still like to listen in on the tech support call: Hello, this is Dell. What is your problem? My laptop just caught on fire. Have you tried rebooting the laptop Sir? Er, no, far too hot to touch the keyboard. So your PC is overheating then? Well yes it is in a way. *smoke alarms going off in the background* Can you feel hot air blowing out the back of your laptop Sir? Yes I can!! Very, very hot. Well Sir I suggest you shut down your laptop and one of our technicians will arrive the next day to look at your laptop. Er, you realise the laptop is completely engulfed in flames. It's on fire!!! Thank you for calling our hotline and I hope you have a pleasant afternoon. Good bye. haha :badpc: :lol: LOL :D nice one gibler	stu161204 (123)
465043	2006-06-22 04:58:00	"no apparent reason" . No . The Li Ion cells explode (the manufacturers call it "venting with flame") because ignorant people maltreat them . It's not because of the technology; it's because people are stupid . An LiIon cell will vent with flame if it is not charged correctly . T Are you kidding?! How many laptops have you seen with a big sticker or pamphlet that goes on about warnings about how to charge the thing? Its a battery . Batteries have been around for ages . People don't suddenly expect explosions and flames from a method of charging the things . Therefore it IS the technology . Imagine if your car battery suddenly got changed to a new exploding type . "Warning: Check your alternator is working properly before driving because your engine may suddenly be on fire cause the battery hasn't been charged properly . " Geez . . . .	pctek (84)
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