Toshiba Recalls Melting, Overheating Satellite T-Series Notebooks

When reviewing notebooks, we generally advise consumers that if a notebook’s temperature exceeds 100 degrees, you’ve got a problem. A more obvious sign, though, is when the computer starts melting.

That’s what happened to one too many Toshiba Satellite T-Series laptops. Both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada have announced they are recalling the Satellites T135, T135D, and ProT130 after receiving 129 reports of the cases melting and becoming misshapen. Although no injuries were reported, the situation obviously presents both an inconvenience and a fire hazard.

In its recall notice, Toshiba states that the problem could be caused by a faulty DC-In harness. Users can download a  BIOS update that will determine if this is the problem. If it is, external power will be cut off, to prevent further damage (meaning, users can’t charge their notebooks until the problem has been repaired). Customers will then have to call Toshiba for warranty support.