Apple Computer Inc. has issued a recall for batteries included with MacBook Pro notebooks sold from February through May 2006.

According to Apple, the batteries "do not meet our high standards for performance" but do not pose a safety risk. The recall is voluntary, and users may "continue to use your current battery until a replacement arrives," Apple said on its Web site.

Batteries with the model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB, or U7SC can be returned to Apple, which will swap it out free of charge, shipping included.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based computer maker did not specify the number of affected systems or detail the reason for the recall.

The MacBook Pro debuted in February, but has been dinged by users complaining of heat- and noise-related problems. In May the company issued a firmware update that most users agreed stymied overheating but left the system noisy.

In May 2005, Apple issued a mandatory recall for batteries in of iBook and PowerBook portable computers.

Users can submit a request for a replacement battery using a form on this Apple site.