Apple recalls 1.8 million Sony batteries

Apple Computer Inc today recalled 1.8 million Sony-built laptop batteries that could overheat and catch fire.

Cupertino, California-based Apple has received nine reports of batteries overheating, including two consumers who received minor burns after handling overheated computers.

Apple has also received reports of minor property damage, but no serious injuries have been reported.

Apple’s recall comes two weeks after Dell Inc’s recall of 4.1 million faulty laptop batteries also made by Sony – the largest electronics recall in the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s history.

Dell’s recall covers about 14% of the Latitude, Inspiron, XPS and Precision notebooks sold between April 1, 2004, and July 18 of this year.