Asus Warns of Exploding non-certified Eee PC batteries

Asustek Computer has cautioned consumers against using third-party batteries with its Asus Eee PCs, and warns that it will not cover hardware damage due to the use of a non-certified battery under warranty. This follows a recent, unsubstantiated, report that a third-party battery exploded in China.

Second- and third-tier battery makers in China have begun to manufacture batteries designed to be used with the Asus Eee PC. Some vendors are offering batteries with capacities up to 10400 mAh, which can support up to 5.5 hours of usage, priced around $80, according to channel vendors.

However, reports claim that one of these “high-capacity” notebook batteries recently overheated during charging, and eventually exploded causing damage to the Asus Eee PC. According to the reports, Asustek has refused to repair the PC, but Asustek has denied knowledge of the damage, while stressing that in such an event, any needed repairs that were the result of using non-certified laptop batteries would not be covered by the company’s warranty.

The China-based vendor said to have sold the 10400 mAh laptop battery has also refuted that its product caused the damage. The company commented that its batteries are in increasingly high demand, and as such rival companies have started the rumor in order to hurt its sales.

Source:  digitimes.com