Apple Computer has announced a recall on batteries used in some of its iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 laptop computers. The batteries, said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, are affected by an internal short which could cause them to overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Consumers should remove the battery from the computer and check the model and serial numbers labelled on the bottom of the unit.

The recalled lithium ion batteries include those with model number A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510.

Apple's 12-inch iBook G4, as well as its 12-inch and 15-inch PowerBook G4s use the batteries.

Affected computers and batteries were sold from October 2004 through May 2005.

Apple and the Commission said about 128,000 U.S. units, made by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea and assembled in Taiwan and China, are affected by the problem.

Apple has received only six reports worldwide of batteries overheating. Two were in the United States.

Users should stop using the batteries immediately.

For free replacement batteries contact Apple on:

1-800-275-2273, or http://www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange