Sony unveiled more details on the recently announced global voluntary replacement voluntary replacement program for notebook battery packs using Sony-manufactured Li-ion battery cells.

Covering all battery packs that contain the same types involved in the Dell, Apple and Lenovo recalls, Sony aims to address any concerns that consumers might have about their laptop batteries. Affected battery packs include 2.4Ah and 2.6Ah cells manufactured by Sony during August 2003 and February 2006.

The replacement program covers approximately 3.5 million units - that's excluding those already recalled by Dell, Apple and Lenovo. Specific replacement programs will be announced soon by participating manufacturers.

The total cost to Sony? ¥51 billion (approx. US $428 million). Whew.