Sony Recalls, Repairs Some VAIOs

Sony Electronics is notifying owners of certain VAIO notebooks that their modems might not perform as well as expected, unless customers were expecting an electrical shock.

Under improbable circumstances, owners of the VAIO PCG-FRV25 and PCG-FRV27 can receive a mild electrical shock similar to a shock received from static electricity, said a Sony spokesperson. In order for this to happen, the notebook must be connected to a phone line, the user must be touching a metal surface on the notebook while grounded, and the user must receive an incoming phone call, all at the same time, she says.

Speed Reveals Glitch

Sony discovered the problem after users complained about slower-than-expected data-transfer speeds in their built-in modems. No injuries have been reported, and as far as Sony is aware, no one has actually received an electrical shock, the spokesperson says.

The two VAIO notebook models have been shipping in the U.S. since June, and Sony halted shipments once it discovered the problem with the modem speeds, the spokesperson says.

The slow modem speeds were a problem only when the notebook was connected to an external power source. The modems have since been fixed, and the notebooks are available through retail and direct from Sony, she says.

Recall Resources

Sony is in the process of contacting affected users and asking them to return their notebooks for repairs. However, customers who purchased a VAIO in the U.S. can call 800/880-9743 to find out if their modem is subject to replacement. Sony will arrange for free shipping, and will extend the warranty of affected notebooks by one year, the spokesperson says.

Sony offices in other areas of the world are responsible for notifying their customers, the spokesperson adds. These two particular types of VAIO notebooks were also sold in Europe and Japan, she says.