Have any other airlines (besides Qantas per Willyroo's link) banned the use of all Dell laptops onboard unless the battery is first removed?

I don't think it's written correctly. One part in particular says:

"The airline said that although passengers would be allowed to carry their Dells either as checked or cabin baggage, they could only use them on battery power or through the aircraft power supply available in some first and business class cabins once they have first removed the batteries from the unit."

Or maybe I'm missing something?

GPG

Dell has taken great steps to see that everyone is aware.

My company sent out a reminder as well.

https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/

Apple is now also recalling its batteries :(

link: http://support.apple.com/batteryprogram

Seems to be really slow to load right now. Probably a lot of traffic. I finally got in after several attempts over the past couple of hours.

Edited to add the relevant serial # ranges (these are the serial #s on the batteries themselves, not the computers)...

12-inch iBook G4
Battery Model #A1061
Serial # Ranges:
ZZ338 - ZZ427
3K429 - 3K611
6C519 - 6C552

12-inch PowerBook G4
Battery Model #A1079
Serial # Ranges:
ZZ411 - ZZ427
3K428 - 3K611

15-inch PowerBook G4
Battery Model #s A1078 and A1148
Serial # Ranges:
3K425 - 3K601
6N530 - 6N551
6N601

This is going to cost Sony a LOT of money...

1.8 million Apple batteries....a lot of fruit! :)

I bought the extended battery for my 700M and it's not on the list.

Honestly .. I was kinda hoping it is. Getting a brand new battery for free two years later .. why not! :D

I think the risk is incredibly low and I'm using mine until a replacement is provided. My company is supposed to be handling it.

If you get a replacement and continue to use the recalled one, and your computer melts, and scorches your desktop, and you try to get compensation from Dell, I could see that they would deny it as they provided a replacement. Lots of ANDs in that scenario...

First Dell, now Apple?
 

Set aside for a moment the question of whether Qantas ban on Dell laptops is rational (I happen to think it isn't). But if they're going to ban Dell laptops, shouldn't they also ban Apple laptops from their flights? I mean, Apple has the same battery problems as Dell. If Qantas is going to apply its (albeit ridiculous) rule consistently, that would seem to argue for banning all Mac laptops. And why not ban iPods too while they're at it??

So far no 17" G4 PBs, but mine has a type A1149 battery that's visually similar to and has the same markings as the A1148 on the 15" model. I wouldn't be surprised to see that shoe drop. (FWIW, it runs warm, but not so hot that I'd consider it a potential fire hazard.)

If I understand correctly, a battery running warm isn't a symptom of the recalled problem. A small percentage of the Dell batteries have a manufacturing defect which may cause them to short circuit and explode.

My Dell battery is currently keeping me warm as we speak! If I don't get my replacements (I have 2 batt) before spring possibly I could cut down on heating costs, although all cost savings will most likely be balanced by the increased smores costs....

Considering the main manufacturer of both Dell and Apple laptops, it's a bit ironic that an airine called Qantas would ban Dell laptops. :)

The ban was not by an airline called Quantas, but one called Qantas.

Note that the risk with the faulty batteries is only when the laptop is being charged from another power source. The risk does not exist when running the laptop using the battery only, or using the laptop on external power with the battery removed.

And since Qantas only have in-flight power in their First Class seats (747-400) and Skybeds (747-400 and A330-300) business class seats, there should be no risk with using an affected Dell laptop anywhere else in the Qantas fleet since the only power option available is the battery.

But who says common sense has to prevail when it comes to airline policies made in the name of safety or security :confused: .