Apple Computer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of 128,000 batteries for the iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers.The lithium rechargeable batteries were sold worldwide from October 2004 through May 2005 for use with the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. The batteries were manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd. of South Korea, Apple said in a statement.The recall is the second in two years for Apple, which took back 28,000 bat-teries last year that were manufactured by the same South Korea company. “It seems like they have a problem with their supplier,” said Rob Enderle, founder and president of the Enderle Group. “That hurts customers’ good will. They may be forced to get a new supplier.”The affected batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers, the CPSC said. The company has received six consumer reports of the batteries overheating. Apple’s statement advises users that if they have a recalled battery, to stop using it and order a replacement battery immediately. “Once the battery is removed, plug in the AC adapter to power the computer,” Apple said. “If you must temporarily use your computer with the battery, do not leave it unattended and check for signs of overheating.” Apple has initiated a worldwide exchange program and will provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge. 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, Apple said.To view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the battery, remove the battery from the computer. The battery serial number is printed in black or dark grey lettering beneath a barcode, Apple said. Technology Industry