There is a recall on Nokia cell phone batteries. Apparently, the BL-5C model of batteries, manufactured in 2005 & 2006, have a tendency to short-circuit and overheat. Luckily, the problem only happens while charging, so you won’t be walking around with a burning sensation in your pocket or maybe the phone would combine with some makeup in your purse and make for some nice pyrotechnics and a really cool youtube video. Future stunt ideas aside, faulty batteries are a serious problem, but so far, the issue with cell phone batteries isn’t as prevalent or catastrophic as the current problems with laptop batteries.
That said, it’s good to see Nokia taking the right step and acting quickly to get consumers to stop using these potentially dangerous batteries. A couple of weeks ago, I used their web site, batteryreplacement.nokia.com, to request a replacement. I typed in my battery’s identification number and personal information and forgot about it. Today, I got a package, shipped by DHL. Inside was a brand new battery and a letter, noting, “within due course Nokia will provide instructions for the return process of the old battery”.
That’s what I like to hear. Overall, a good experience from Nokia.