Early Wednesday, retailers including Best Buy and Amazon were in for a surprise - they received memos prompting the widespread pullout of the new HP Chromebook 11.
After a slew of media and consumer inquiries of the immediate removal, HP and Google released a statement later that afternoon attributing the removal to overheating chargers.
According to both companies, after receiving a small number of user reports that some chargers included were being damaged due to overheating, sales of the notebook were paused. A spokesperson for HP said in a statement that it is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to "identify the appropriate corrective action" and "provide additional information and instructions" soon.
"In the meantime, customers who have purchased an HP Chromebook 11 should not use the original charger provided with the product," read the statement. "In the interim they may continue using their HP Chromebook 11 with any other Underwriters Laboratories-listed micro USB charger, for example one provided with a tablet or smartphone. We apologize for the inconvenience."
The Chromebook 11 features a microUSB slot for charging, so most phone chargers are compatible.
Reviews for the Chromebook 11 have been mixed so far.
"A fresh look and comfortable feel make HP's 11-inch budget Chromebook an appealing bet, especially for households that need a cheap no-frills Web-surfing Google netbook," wrote CNET's Scott Stein. "If you're not thinking about productivity, though, you're better off with a tablet."
Slash Gear mentioned that the laptop had enough performance issue to be outclassed by the cheaper Intel-powered Acer C720. It also pointed out other problems, including a touchpad glitch and audio stuttering when new browser tabs are opened.
The $279 Chromebook 11, which was announced in October, utilizes a dual-core Exynos processor from Samsung, is powered by Chrome OS, and comes in a variety of colors, among other features. The makers even forged a partnership with Best Buy and Amazon to sell in the U.S.
