Dell is aware of recent images of charred laptops that have emerged and is investigating the incidents.

Pictures published this week showed a laptop that set fire last year while running on batteries in Singapore. The owner of the laptop had to remove the batteries and put the machine into water to extinguish it.

"The incident occurred in Singapore in November 2005. We determined that the battery was the cause and subsequently recalled certain batteries in December 2005," a Dell spokesperson told vnunet.

Another Dell laptop was reported spontaneously bursting into flames in Illinois.

"We are aware of the incident that occurred in Vernon, Illinois last week. We have been in contact with the customer, we are confirming the details of the event and we are already taking the appropriate actions," the Dell spokesperson said.