The Nation - News from Dec. 16, 1986

Compaq Computer Corp. said three of its portable computers have exploded because they were repaired improperly, and it is offering free replacement parts. Explosion of the lithium battery in the Portable II personal computer could injure someone, although no one has been hurt yet, a company spokesman said. Although only improperly repaired computers can explode, Compaq is offering to replace the systems boards of all its Portable IIs. The spokesman said the problem occurs when a technician connects a 3.6-volt lithium battery to a 5-volt power supply.