Monday, March 12, 2007
Refurbishing Old Laptop Batteries
There are several websites claiming that one can refurbish their old laptop batteries by following a simple set of instructions. This is very true if you have time, some technical knowledge and you are adventurous. It may only apply to a few old laptops, whose batteries were simply constructed. They contained a number of Lithium Ion cells in a particular arrangement and connected together.
However, most modern laptop batteries contain PCBs or smart chips which communicate with the laptop and these need to be properly calibrated for the battery to power the laptop. The availability of good quality Lithium Ion cells may be restricted. These cells are hazardous if they are wired up incorrectly or not handled carefully. Overheating and exposure can cause fire and even explosion. Poor quality Lithium Ion cells will be inexpensive and maybe readily available. However, these cells will not offer the same amount of power and will certainly compromise on the quality.
This method of crude refurbishing may void the manufacturer's warranty and the cost of any repairs caused by the refurbished battery may cost more than a new battery.
Several laptops have compatible or replacement laptop batteries made by reputable manufacturers. These are constructed to high standards and are sold with manufacturers warranty. Since, these batteries are not branded they tend to be cheaper than an original laptop battery.
However, most modern laptop batteries contain PCBs or smart chips which communicate with the laptop and these need to be properly calibrated for the battery to power the laptop. The availability of good quality Lithium Ion cells may be restricted. These cells are hazardous if they are wired up incorrectly or not handled carefully. Overheating and exposure can cause fire and even explosion. Poor quality Lithium Ion cells will be inexpensive and maybe readily available. However, these cells will not offer the same amount of power and will certainly compromise on the quality.
This method of crude refurbishing may void the manufacturer's warranty and the cost of any repairs caused by the refurbished battery may cost more than a new battery.
Several laptops have compatible or replacement laptop batteries made by reputable manufacturers. These are constructed to high standards and are sold with manufacturers warranty. Since, these batteries are not branded they tend to be cheaper than an original laptop battery.
Labels: laptop battery, refurbish battery, replacement
