Sony recalling Vaio laptop computers for possible electric shock

TOKYO (AP) _ Sony Corp. said Thursday it is recalling 18,000 Vaio laptop computers for faulty assembly of the modem, which could cause a minor electric shock to users. <br><br>The Vaio models went on sale

Friday, July 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TOKYO (AP) _ Sony Corp. said Thursday it is recalling 18,000 Vaio laptop computers for faulty assembly of the modem, which could cause a minor electric shock to users.

The Vaio models went on sale in May.

Shoko Yanagisawa, a spokeswoman for the Japanese electronics and entertainment company, called the move a ``voluntary request'' to return the product.

In Japan, the affected models are the PCG-FR77E/B, PCG-FR55E/B and PCG-FR55E. In the United States, they are the PCG-FRV27 and PCG-FRV25. In Europe, it is the PCG-FR215S.

A person who touches some metal parts in the back of the laptop might feel a slight electric shock when the dial tone goes off while using the modem, spokesman Shigenori Fujita said.

The modem also is unusually slow when using an adapter to connect to an outlet, he said. Several cases of the slow modem were reported in Japan, but no cases of electronic shock have been reported and it will not cause bodily injury, Fujita said.

The recall costs, including shipping and repair, will total an estimated $4.2 million, the company said.