Down to 24% and dropping fast!

OK. My battery is on recharge!

It lasted 1 1/2 hours just doing normal stuff on NT.... no graphics at all, and it cut out completely when it was down to 5%. I didn't get a warning, the light didn't go dim, it just shut down.

I've noticed that my battery doesn't last a long time. When I was without electricity, I used the battery, sparringly and it seemed that it didn't take long. I know it wasn't near 4 hrs. More like what Anne just reported.

3 years ago, i probably dealt with all Dell salesreps in North America and in India for a full year, every few days, every week, before i totally abandonned the idea of buying my computer from them.

i initially had considered purchasing a laptop; then, opted for a desktop.

i got totally contradictory information, and everything in between, concerning every details concerning both computer versions.

needless to say that i purchased it somewhere else.

wasn't there a recall, and a lawsuit against Dell for some laptops because of the batteries? i'd suggest you check this out on google for your model. good luck!

Hmmmm. It took the battery 1 1/2 hours to go flat, and it took 1 1/2 hours to fully recharge again, so for all those who were wondering........... now you know!

copy of my post on the computer forum about batteries.

I came across some laptop battery info -

[How to prolong lithium-based batteries
Simple Guidelines

* Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.) Short battery life in a laptop is mainly cause by heat rather than charge / discharge patterns.

* Batteries with fuel gauge (laptops) should be calibrated by applying a deliberate full discharge once every 30 charges. Running the pack down in the equipment does this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate and in some cases cut off the device prematurely.

* Keep the lithium-ion battery cool. Avoid a hot car. For prolonged storage, keep the battery at a 40% charge level.

* Consider removing the battery from a laptop when running on fixed power. (Some laptop manufacturers are concerned about dust and moisture accumulating inside the battery casing.)

* Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Observe manufacturing dates. Do not buy old stock, even if sold at clearance prices.

* If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one to the fullest and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the battery. For best results, store the battery at 40% state-of-charge.

A lithium-ion battery in use typically lasts between 2-3 years.]
http://batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm

[ Given that Liuim ion batteries have so many problems, there are a few guidelines that you can follow to prolong the life of your batteries. Some of these guidelines might be too impractical to follow in everyday life, but they still serve as an advisory towards some practices that are a complete no-no for Li-ion battery users.

1. Unlike Ni-Cd batteries, lithium-ion batteries should be charged early and often. However, if they are not used for a long time, they should be brought to a charge level of around 40% - 60%. Lithium-ion batteries should not be frequently fully discharged and recharged ("deep-cycled") like Ni-Cd batteries, but this is necessary after about every 30th recharge to recalibrate any external electronic "fuel gauge" (e.g. State Of Charge meter). This prevents the fuel gauge from showing an incorrect battery charge.

2. Lithium-ion batteries should never be depleted to below their minimum voltage, 2.4v to 3.0v per cell. Most of your devices will handle this automatically. Even the finished batteries that you buy from authentic dealers will have an internal cutoff to prevent a complete discharge.

3. imageLi-ion batteries should be kept cool. Ideally they are stored in a refrigerator. Aging will take its toll much faster at high temperatures. The high temperatures found in cars cause lithium-ion batteries to degrade rapidly. However, do not freeze the batteries.

4. Li-ion batteries should be bought only when needed, because the aging process begins as soon as the battery is manufactured.

5. When using a notebook computer running from fixed line power over extended periods, the battery should be removed, and stored in a cool place so that it is not affected by the heat produced by the computer.

6. There is some benefits to fully discharging your lithium battery periodically, for laptops this can be especially important. If you start to notice your battery meter is becoming more and more inaccurate, it may be time for some battery calibration. By allowing your lithium battery to fully drain, this will help the battery recalibrate allowing for more accurate measurements of battery life. This should be done once every 30 charges or when you notice battery readings are off.

even some of these recommendations will help you derive the longest possible life out of your batteries and also help you save some money to spend on buying the latest new electronic gadgets]
http://etechland.blogspot.com/2008/0...ur-li-ion.html



guess I should pull the battery out of my laptop- I don't use battery power much at all. Only if I take it outside.

Thanks alot Jo! Until Christmas last year, I was using my laptop on my lap with a pillow under it, so it makes sense after reading your post, that my battery was getting overheated. In fact, I asked my DH to get me a device that could sit on my lap, yet allow my battery to breath, as it would get so warm on my lap, esp w/it sitting on a cushy pillow.

He bought me a solid lightweight surface w/a pillow that is velcroed on the bottom to protect my legs. It's really neat and is made for laptops, so my pc battery can breathe now and not cause heat. But, I was having alot of battery charging problems before then, so the damage was done.

My new battery should be here today, so I will definitely use this new information to prolong it's life. I really really appreciate all the information everyone gave me.

Moi had sent me some similar info too, so thanks Muwah!!



Anne~ We can send our batteries to the old folk's home.