Google, HP Recall Chromebook 11 Chargers After Melting and Overheating

Dec. 17, 2013 — -- When Google and HP announced the Chromebook 11 in October it made a big deal about the laptop's charger. The charger used a MicroUSB port, the same used to charge many smartphones, to power up the Chrome OS laptop. But now the companies are having to recall that part of the package.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall today on the HP Chromebook 11 power supply/charger. Google has also alerted Chromebook 11 owners to stop using the recalled charger immediately.

About 145,000 units are being recalled after Google received nine reports of chargers overheating and melting, according to the report issued by the commission. One consumer reported a "small burn" and there was one report of a pillow burning because of an overheating charger.

Google Chromebooks: Should Your Next Laptop Run Chrome OS?

The CPSC advises those with the chargers to contact Google at (866) 628-1371 or go to http://chromebook.com/hp11chargerform to sign up for a replacement power cord. You can tell if you have the specific affected charger by looking at the CPSC site; a photo of the charger and its model number is posted here.

Google is no longer selling the $279 Chromebook 11 at its Google Play Store or other retailers but said in a statement that it will resume sales soon and that all the packages will include the replacement charger.