Dell Recalls Batteries Because of Fire Threat

Dell is recalling 4.1 million notebook computer batteries because they could erupt in flames, the company said today.   This will be the largest safety recall in the history of the consumer electronics industry...   The recalled batteries were used in 2.7 million computers sold in the United States and 1.4 million sold overseas.   The total is about 18 percent of Dell's notebook production during the period in question (4/04 - 7/06).   Depending on how many of the batteries are still in use, the cost of the recall could exceed $300 million.

Lithium ion batteries are used in hybrid cars, but those batteries may or may not have the same manufacturing defect that lead to Dell's problems.   Let's see how many Prius automobiles ignite this year.

Windows Genuine disAdvantage

What would you call a computer program that surreptitiously installed itself onto your computer, collected personal information about you without your knowledge or effective consent, was difficult or impossible to remove, installed pop-up banners that constantly harassed you, and presented significant security vulnerabilities?

If you were Los Angeles resident Brian Johnson, the answer would be simple. You'd call it Windows.

Life on Mars? Not Yet.

It was ten years ago when NASA exclaimed Meteorite Yields Evidence of Primitive Life on Early Mars .

From MATT CRENSON, AP National Writer:

Ten years later, the results have not been verified. Skeptics have found non-biological explanations for every piece of evidence that was presented on Aug. 6, 1996. And though they still vigorously defend their claim, the NASA scientists who advanced it now stand alone in their belief.

Hackers Expose 'Critical' Wi-Fi Driver Flaw

Maynor said the MacBook was used in the demo as a retort to the latest Apple commercials. "We don't want to bash Mac. I'm a big fan of Mac. But those commercials are just [annoying]," he said.

I wonder what he really said in place of "annoying"...   I couldn't agree more.

"This is not a big problem today. But, it should be something to take seriously now before it becomes a big, big problem a year or two from now," said Maynor.

The entire 802.11 spec needs to be examined -- or discarded.