Triona's Tech Tips

If you’re planning to buy Apple’s 27″ iMac, you might be waiting a while for delivery. In a recent interview, Apple confirmed delays in shipping its popular new computer.

The shipping delays have been attributed to several things, including a shortage of components. Unconfirmed by Apple are reports of hardware problems. Online forums mention hard drive failures and flickering or damaged displays. If you have a 27″ iMac and want to check the display, visit this web site for an online test.

In other news, Fujitsu has recalled certain batteries for its Amilo line of laptops, including the Amilo Pa2510, Pi2512 and Pi2515 sold between April 2007 and June 2009. For more information, visit the Fujitsu web site.

Through December 31st, new subscribers to my Tech Tips email list will receive my tip sheet on Creating Strong Passwords. Click here to sign up.

Sony has recalled more than 69,000 desktop Vaio PCs and Vaio laptop docks due to an electric shock risk from the computers’ AC adapters. Sony’s web site provides details about the recall. Affected models include:

• All-in-one computers sold after September, 2007
  • VGC-LT series
  • VGC-JS240, VGC-JS250, VGC-JS270, and VGC-JS290 series
• Notebook docking stations sold after September, 2005
  • VGP-PRBX1
  • VGP-PRFE1

In similar news, Belkin has recalled some of its TuneBase in-car iPod dock due to a fire risk. Belkin’s web site has details about the recall. The affected models include the TuneBase FM with Hands-Free, TuneBase Direct with Hands-Free and TuneBase™ FM with ClearScan with model numbers as listed on the back of the product:

• F8Z441, F8Z441ea, F8Z442, F8Z442ea, F8Z176, F8Z176eaBLK

There are also reports, unconfirmed by Apple, of some Time Capsule backup modules failing after an average of 17 months. Disturbing, given that these devices are supposed to preserve your data. I recommend that everyone, not just Time Capsule owners, use multiple methods of backup. You can find out more on the timecapsuledead web site.

Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up.

Hewlett-Packard has issued a recall for some 70,000 HP and Compaq notebook computer batteries due to risk of fire. You can read the CPSC recall information here. The batteries were sold both in computers and separately between August 2007 and March 2008. Affected models include the following:

Consumers may contact HP here regarding replacement batteries.

The CPSC has announced the recall of 73,000 Sony Vaio TZ-series laptops due to a potential burn hazard. Affected models include the Vaio VGN-TZ100, VGN-TZ200, VGN-TZ300 and VGN-TZ2000. Not all units are affected, contact Sony for details.

• CPSC Sony Vaio Laptop Recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.