Techiton

Sony is recalling 440,000 Vaio laptop computers after a wiring fault caused some devices to overheat, leaving seven people with minor burns.

The consumer electronics company said the recall involves 19 models in the Vaio TZ series which includes Sony VGN-TZ100, VGN-TZ200, VGN-TZ300 and VGN-TZ2000 series manufactured between May 2007 and July 2008.

Two years ago, several computer makers were forced to recall almost 10 million laptop batteries made by Sony because of possible overheating. That recall cost Sony about $430 million (£243 million).
The company said that improperly placed wires near the hinge connecting the body of the laptop and its display could wear quickly, causing a short-circuit and overheating.
It added that a flaw in a circuit board inside the display could also cause the rim to overheat.
Sony said that 440 devices had been affected worldwide. Five people suffered minor burns in Japan and one each in the US and Italy.

It said that 373,000 of the laptops were sold in 48 countries, including the US, and the remaining 67,000 in Japan.
There have been no reported problems in the UK, but the company said that anyone who believed their machine was part of the recall should contact the firm to organise a free inspection and rework of the wiring where needed.

"Sony UK would like to emphasise that there have been no reported incidents of this potential issue in products sold in the UK to date, and that a product recall is not required," said a spokesman.
"Sony takes the quality of the products its sells very seriously and makes every effort to ensure that the products it develops meet all relevant regulations and standards. We sincerely apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused."