Part of the last PC that Sony will ship, the VAIO Fit 11a was part of Sony’s strategy to capitalize on the Netbook and tablet market by offering a hybrid unit. Since that time, Sony has shipped nearly 26,000 units, mostly in Europe, but due to a manufacturing defect, each unit shipped is prone to overheat and catch fire.

While likely not the  final act Sony had envisioned as they prepare to exit the PC market, the VAIO Fit is at risk of catching fire from a battery defect. For those getting a flashback of 2010 where Sony had to recall 535,000 Vaio laptops world-wide due to a temperature-control defect, it’s worth noting that this time around, the batteries in question are made by Panasonic.

Since their launch, Sony has received three reports of defects with one in Japan, one in Hong Kong, and one in China. Until the company can come up with a strategy to address the issue, Sony is asking all VAIO Fit owners to stop using their computers as soon as possible until Sony releases more information.

In many territories, including Europe, Sony has already stopped sales of the VAIO as the company makes the final preparations  to sell the division Japan Industrial Partners, Inc.

Discuss:

Have you been affected by this issue?

[Via WSJ]