Dell Sued in Canada

The Canadian division of Dell is facing a lawsuit filed in Ontario's Supreme Court over the quality of its portable PCs. A group of system owners from the province contend that many of the company's previously launched entry-level notebooks -- including the Inspiron 1100 and 5100 series -- were sold to users despite known design flaws that would overheat the inside of the system, potentially damaging the mainboard and rendering the PCs inoperable. Some Inspirons have also shut down without warning under the stress of the high temperatures, says Joel Rochon of the representing lawfirm Rochon Genova.

"It would appear as though it’s a systemic problem that’s inherent to all of these Inspiron models. At least, that’s the feedback we’re getting," he says.

Although currently limited to those who have talked to the law firm, the suit may reach class-action status in several months and entitle anyone with an affected system to a settlement if the claim is validated. The alleged flaw does not appear to be connected with the recent Dell battery recall, which was ultimately linked to defective Sony batteries.

By Electronista Staff