Engadget Posting
Based on reports appearing on different tech sites, Bell mobility is recalling Novatel MiFi 2372 (GSM version for North American netword frequencies) devices due to possible “battery swell” and “malfunction of the device”. Some Updated posted below.
Novatels Mobiles website currently hosts only a very careful “Product Advisory” on problems with the MiFi 2372. There is no information to be found problems with any similar product (like the MiFi 2352 – European GSM version). It’s also unclear if this problem is limited to a batch of devices sold to Bell Mobility or more widespread.
Novatel MiFi® 2372 Product Advisory
It’s also unclear if there are any known incidents with the now recalled MiFi 2372 and what “effect” these problems might have produced. Looking at the very harsh measures Bell Mobility is taking (Recalling the device and deactivating them on the network) this might be serious trouble.
In a previous post I reported about a charging / battery problem I was having with my a MiFi 2352 unit (http://blog.perstechlife.com/2009/10/22/mifi-2352-does-novatel-have-a-larger-problem-with-charger-or-device/) . My problem might have been isolated without any coincidence, but right now I’m no longer sure about this. But it was obvious, that my problem was more battery related, than charger related.
As soon as I know more I’ll let you know.
– PersTechLife –
[Update] Kevin Thornton of the Novatel Wireless team has posted the following statement in the comments.
This is Kevin Thornton with the Novatel Wireless team, below is the official statement from Novatel Wireless regarding the Bell MiFi 2372:
Novatel’s top priorities are to serve our customers and end-consumers and to provide for the safe use of our products. There have been two incidents reported from Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada, with battery overheating issues. While we can’t comment on specific consumer incidents, it has been reported that some customers have had difficulties opening the battery door thus utilizing sharp objects or excessive force to open it. While doing this, customers can inadvertently puncture the battery when trying to remove it and this can cause the battery to over-heat. To reduce the probability of user-induced damage to the battery, we have redesigned the battery door to make it easier to open.
Any product or battery issue is considered a matter of utmost importance for Novatel Wireless. Consistent with that and as a preventive measure, the Company has communicated an exchange program for Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada customers to replace the MiFi 2372 battery and battery door.
The EMEA MiFi 2352 is shipping with a new battery cover.
[Update 2] In a statement Novatel has placed on their web site they clarify that the MiFi 2200 is not affected and that all new shipments of the MiFi 2372 and 2352 (beginning 2010-04-30) are shipping with a new battery door. Novatel states here http://www.novatelwireless.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=378 that as an extra precaution they exchange the batteries only for Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile Canada customers.
Currently I’m waiting on a clarification if the battery overheating problem is definitely related to user-induced damage resulting out of the problem with the battery door. Or if there are more general overheating problems with the battery pack for the MiFi 2352 and 2372.
Hello,
This is Kevin Thornton with the Novatel Wireless team, below is the official statement from Novatel Wireless regarding the Bell MiFi 2372:
Novatel’s top priorities are to serve our customers and end-consumers and to provide for the safe use of our products. There have been two incidents reported from Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada, with battery overheating issues. While we can’t comment on specific consumer incidents, it has been reported that some customers have had difficulties opening the battery door thus utilizing sharp objects or excessive force to open it. While doing this, customers can inadvertently puncture the battery when trying to remove it and this can cause the battery to over-heat. To reduce the probability of user-induced damage to the battery, we have redesigned the battery door to make it easier to open.
Any product or battery issue is considered a matter of utmost importance for Novatel Wireless. Consistent with that and as a preventive measure, the Company has communicated an exchange program for Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada customers to replace the MiFi 2372 battery and battery door.
The EMEA MiFi 2352 is shipping with a new battery cover.
Thanks Kevin. I’ll include your statement in the blog post.
PTL
Hi
Sofar I have experienced that Novatel are a bunch of . . . . . . they just don’t reply to my questions on batteries and firm ware updates.
My Novatel Wireless get’s extremely hot I feel it “burning” in my pocket but . . .
Novatel doesn’t care at all.
Max van Peer
My mifi 2372, which I received in April 2011, has a bad overheating problem. My unit is now fried……
Same problem here – Novatel MIFI 2372 purchased from AT&T June 2011 – the battery gets SOOO hot that if you take it out and hold it in your grasped hand, it will literally BURN you. It’s that hot. I’m not talking about gentle warmth. It will physically burn you -and then it cools down rapidly.
I called AT&T for a replacement (Unit is under warranty for 1 year). AT&T was helpful but would not acknowledge any actual problem nor recall and definitely gave me the run around.
I will let you know if the new MIFI unit and battery (ordered Feb 1 2012) solve the issue.