Technology

Hewlett-Packard has expanded a worldwide recall of lithium ion batteries in some HP and Compaq notebooks to include an additional 54,000 units.The batteries, made in China, can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.HP Thursday, May 14, 2009" href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10241137-92.html">originally recalled 70,000 batteries in May 2009, following two separate reports of batteries that "overheated and ruptured, resulting in flames/fire that caused minor property damage" but no injuries. Since then, HP has received 38 additional reports of batteries that overheated and ruptured, resulting in 11 instances of minor injury and 31 instances of minor property damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recall affects models manufactured between August 2007 and March 2008 and sold at computer and electronics stores nationwide, as well as online at hp.com and hpshopping.com. To reduce the likelihood of problems, HP suggests consumers stop using their battery pack immediately until they've determined whether it's among those affected by the recall. Consumers with recalled batteries will receive a free replacement. For additional information, visit the HP Battery Replacement Program Web site or call 888-202-4320 between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through