Wow, I've got an older refurbished Gateway laptop - {02/05?} but we mainly use as a spare when desktop is being used by another family member.
or if I want to take it outside.

The battery was new when we got it but I mostly use it plugged in - so battery is removed & I haven't bothered to keep it charged up.

I formatted the HD & installed a Linux OS to lighten the cpu/resources load

works great but it will over heat if used for hours so I prop it up with cd cases to get more airflow under it.
and make sure fan area is clear