Sony Recalls 73,000 Vaio laptops Over Burn Hazard

Sony is recalling about 73,000 Vaio laptops because faulty wiring near a hinge can pose a burn hazard.

The recall was jointly announced Thursday by Sony and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The commission recommended that consumers immediately stop using VAIO TZ-series notebook computers.

According to the commission, Sony has received 15 reports of overheating, one of which burned a consumer. Either the wiring problem, which is near computer's hinge, or a loose screw in the hinge can cause a short circuit that then causes the overheating.

The recalled laptop models are the Vaio VGN-TZ100 series, the VGN-TZ200 series, the VGN-TZ300 series and the VGN-TZ2000 series. The computers' screen size measured diagonally is about 11.1 inches. The machines in question were sold between July 2007 and August 2008, according to the commission.

Not all units are problematic. Sony recommends that users call a customer hotline at 888-526-6219 to find out whether their laptop is affected.

Users can also go to the Sony support site and input their product code and serial number, which can be found on the bottom of the computer. If users find that their laptops have the problem, they can make arrangements online for an inspection.

Mike Abary, a senior vice president at Sony, said in an online notice that the company will offer a free inspection and possibly on-site repair at the user's home or office. Users also can ship their laptops in to a service center for repair.

Zenith Announces Sub-15K Laptop and Desktop

Zenith Computers, today announced the launch of a new laptop and desktop under the brand name 'EcoStyle'. According to the company, the Zenith EcoStyle laptop priced at Rs. 14,999, will be the lowest priced Windows OS enabled laptop in the market; while the desktop PC will be available at Rs 11,999. The EcoStyle PC and laptop will be available across India through Zenith's chain of authorized dealers and exclusive showrooms will stock these computers.

The laptop is Net enabled, and comes preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite: an Operating System (Windows XP Home Edition), Microsoft Works (includes Word Processor, spreadsheets and PPT viewer), and Microsoft Windows Live Suite (Includes Email Client, Messenger and Family Safety from Windows Live OneCare).

 The EcoStyle PC will give the customer an option of choosing Windows Vista Starter or Microsoft Windows XP Home. The laptop weighs 2.2 kg and has dimensions of 185mm x 250 mm x 70 mm. The desktop will also come preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite.

The company further states that in addition to the portability and the relevant content, both the computers have an added advantage of reduced power consumption and on an average, they consume 30 percent less power.

New Webcam from Microsoft Hardware

Microsoft Hardware announced the launch of LifeCam VX-700 webcam. The LifeCam VX-700 combines compact design with a VGA camera. The package also includes a headset with a microphone.

The universal attachment base allows the webcam to work with any desktop PC or a Laptop. Also, video calling can be done with its plug and play feature facilitates compatible with Windows Live Messenger, Microsoft office communicator and other popular messaging services.

“Technology and design are two factors that have always been paramount to Microsoft Hardware. With the launch of VX-700 we once again have a product that will excite our customers,” said Geetha KB, Product Marketing Manager, Entertainment and Devices Division – Microsoft Hardware.


Priced at Rs. 999 plus taxes, the LifeCam VX-700 will be available in computer hardware retail store across India from August 27, 2008.

Dell Launches New Laptops and Desktops

Dell has launched two new desktops and two new Vostro laptops aimed at users in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The two new laptops are the Vostro A860 and the A840. The former has a 15.1 inch anti-glare wide-screen while the latter has a 14.1 inch screen. Among the desktops, the A180 comes with the choice of either Intel Celeron or Core 2 Duo processors and the A100 uses the Intel Atom processor.

Dell has mentioned in its press release that these computers have been launched especially for education and small business users in countries which Dell classifies as “emerging economies.” However, apart from the “affordable” tag, the pricing is still a mystery. It does sound like Dell might finally be getting into the low-budget business PC's market in India which already has a couple of big names. This space needs watching.