Apple issued a recall of more PowerBook and iBook batteries after receiving reports of overheating problems from end users. The new recall covers batteries in laptops shipped between October 2004 and May 2005 in 128,000 12 and 15-inch PowerBook G4s and 12-inch iBook laptops.

An internal short within the battery can cause it to overheat and possibly catch fire, according to the company's submission to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Apple recommends that consumers immediately stop using the batteries and contact the company to receive a replacement free of charge. Users will still be able to use their laptops, although they would have to power it through the supplied AC adapter until the new battery arrives.

Last August, the company issued a similar warning for approximately 28,000 of its Powerbook G4s. In both cases, LG Chem of South Korea produced the battery. Apple says it will not be held responsible for the financial costs associated with the recall.

"Our first concern is for the safety of our customers," an Apple spokesman said "However, we do not expect the cost of the recall to be material to Apple, and our supplier will bear those costs."

The batteries that are defective carry serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507, and 3X446 through 3X510.