I just got this note from Apple directed at users of 12" iBooks:
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Dear Apple Customer,
Apple is voluntarily recalling certain lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that were sold worldwide, in systems and separately, from October 2004 through May 2005 for use with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4, 15-inch PowerBook G4. These batteries were manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd. of South Korea. Apple has initiated a worldwide exchange program and will provide you with a new replacement battery, free of charge. This program is being conducted in co-operation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety authorities.
Issue: The affected batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard. Apple received six consumer reports of these batteries overheating. Apple urges you to stop using your battery and to order a replacement battery immediately. If you must temporarily use your computer with the battery, do not leave it unattended and check for signs of overheating.
Product: The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078, and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 and 3X446 through 3X510. To view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the battery, you must remove the battery from the computer. The battery serial number is printed in black or dark-grey lettering beneath a bar code.
Please use the chart below to match your computer with the affected battery model number and serial number range. If your battery's serial number does not match the requirements listed below, you do not have to exchange your battery.
Computer model Battery model number Battery serial number range 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 HQ441-HQ507 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 3X446-3X510 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 3X446-3X509
What to do: To begin the battery exchange process, go to the Apple website at www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange. You will be asked for the serial number of your computer, the serial number of your battery, and a ship-to address. After serial number verification, a new battery will be shipped to you free of charge. You may exchange up to three batteries through the website. When you receive the replacement battery, please use the same shipping packaging and the included prepaid shipping label to return the recalled battery to Apple. If you do not have access to the website listed above, you can call Apple on 133 MAC (622) between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, Australian Eastern standard time, for further assistance.
Thank you for your co-operation with this exchange program.
Apple