HP fined over bad batteries, suffers bad Envy screens
updated 02:25 pm EST, Tue January 24, 2012
HP agrees to pay $425k fine, Envy screens are off
PC maker HP has agreed to pay a civil fine of $425,000, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed. The fine is a result of HP failing to immediately report a possible defect of its lithium-ion batteries, as required by federal law. The flaw, like with most batteries, could result in a fire.
The CPSC said HP knew of about 22 incidents related to the battery packs by September, 2007. At least two resulted in injuries. HP didn't notify the CPSC until July 25, 2008 of the defects, by which time at least 31 incidents had been documented related to the batteries.
At the same time, another problem is plaguing the company's newest generation of Envy 15 notebooks. Some of the notebooks' 1080p Radiance Displays aren't able to properly reproduce red and violet colors, users over on the NotebookReview forum reported. There are also mentions of too much keyboard flex and dented USB ports.
HP said it's investigating the matter. The screen was a $150 option on the notebook. [via The Verge]
