The Consumer Product Safety Commission Tuesday issued an official recall of the chargers for the HP Chromebook 11 after fielding nine reports that the laptop’s unique charger is prone to overheating and melting during use.
Google and HP pulled from the laptops from shelves in November, citing problems with the laptop’s bundled charger. The device’s charger can reportedly heat up to such a high temperature that there is at least one report of a customer suffering a small burn during use. The CPSC report also noted “minor property damage to a pillow” from an overheating charger.

The recall affects around 145,000 units, according to the notice. Google and HP had previously indicated the firms were working with the agency to “identify the appropriate corrective action” for the faulty chargers.
It does not affect other models of the Chromebook line, including other Chromebooks made by HP.
The HP Chromebook 11 uses a micro-USB charger for the laptop, making it compatible with the cords that many companies use for tablets and phones. In November, HP and Google advised that those who had bought the $280 laptops should not use the charger that came with the laptop.
Those who bought the laptop from Best Buy, Amazon, Google or HP in its brief month on sale should contact Google for a free replacement charger. Consumers can call Google toll free at 1-866-628-1371 or head to the Chromebook site and click on “Support” to start the process.
The $280 HP Chromebook 11 was supposed to be a flagship product for both companies this holiday season. And its charger was one of the main drawing points for the low-cost laptop, since its micro-USB tip could be used to power multiple gadgets and cut down on clutter in users’ backpacks, briefcases and carry-ons.
Google has seen fairly good success with the lightweight laptop line. Bloomberg reported in July that Chromebooks had picked up between 20 percent and 25 percent of the under-$300 laptop market.
Neither Google nor HP could not immediately be reached for comment on the charger recall.

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