Packard Bell has become the latest laptop maker to issue a major battery recall, following reports of overheating and fires.

Four Easynote models are affected. MX36, MX37, MX51 and MX52 units sold mainly in Europe between July and December 2007 are at risk.

Packard Bell blamed the voluntary recall on internal short circuits and invited owners to check their machines at its website.

In the meantime they should remove the battery and operate via the power cord only, it said.

The Acer-owned firm added no machines sold in North America are affected. ®