Following reports of chargers overheating and melting and one report of a small burn and one of minor damage to a pillow, Google and HP have decided to issue a product recall for the HP Chromebook 11‘s power charger. The move follows a decision by the two companies to halt sales in the U.S. It remains on sale in Canada through Best Buy Canada although HP itself and other retailers such as Future Shop do not currently offer it.
HP previously told The Verge that Chromebook 11 users could use “any other Underwriters Laboratories-listed micro-USB charger.” The HP Chromebook 11 recall notice only advises that “consumers should immediately stop using the recalled charger” but does not provide alternatives aside from exchanging it.
Google and HP expect to have to replace some 145,000 units by the time all is said and done.
Owners in the U.S. can contact Google to arrange a free charger replacement. No HP Chromebook 11 recall appears to be in effect in Canada so we suggest that you contact Google, HP or the retailer where you bought the Chromebook to arrange a replacement.
Google still lists the HP Chromebook 11 on its U.S. website with an invitation to “check back soon” suggesting that the two companies are still planning to offer it once the overheating charger issue is sorted out.
Sources : Consumer Product Safety Commission // The Verge