Japan's Sony Corp is recalling close to half a million of its Vaio portable computers sold worldwide, citing a potential hazard that could cause them to overheat or short circuit. Sony Corp. said Thursday the recall involves 19 models in the Vaio TZ series manufactured between May 2007 and July 2008, including three export models. It said improperly placed wires near the hinge connecting the body of the laptop and its display could wear quickly, causing a short circuit and overheating. “Sony has initiated a voluntary program to perform a free inspection and, if necessary, a repair to ensure these units meet our high quality standards,” Sony said on its website. More than 200 laptop computers of Sony's Vaio TZ series have overheated, the company said. Of the cases, 83 were reported in Japan and the rest overseas.
