Hate to say we told you so. A few weeks ago, we reported on a possible shortage of laptop batteries due to Sony's massive recall. Well, it looks like that imminent shortage might be one step closer to becoming a reality: Compal, a Taiwanese contract laptop manufacturer for companies like Dell and HP, told investors last week that its fourth-quarter laptop shipments would be affected by a shortage of batteries. They lowered their yield expectations--from 4.8 to 5 million units, down to 4.6 million--for the busiest PC sales season of the year. Analysts warn that smaller manufacturers will likely suffer the most. I've said it before and I'll say it again, folks: If your users are in need of new laptops or replacement batteries, now is the time.

For more on the possible laptop battery shortage:
- see the ZDnet article