Internal shorts can cause the batteries to overheat, posing a fire hazard to users of the computers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Cupertino-based Apple Computer have recalled about 128,000 batteries from iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers. The rechargeable batteries could experience internal shorts, heating up the batteries and possibly causing a fire.

Apple has received six reports, including two from the US, of the batteries overheating in iBook and PowerBook computers.

The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510.

Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple's web site at http://www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange to check your battery's serial number and apply for a replacement battery.

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David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.