Laptop Battery FAQ

This may sound crazy, but it is logical. Modern laptop batteries, or Lithium Ion laptop batteries start deteriorating or losing charge from the time they leave the production line. There is nothing we can do about it, except reduce this process. Hence, the reason manufacturers supply the battery with very little charge.

Since, this reaction takes place continually, a fully charged laptop battery will lose its charge even when it is not in use. Exposure to extreme heat, like a laptop left in a hot car (not that it would last long in most cities), by a window under direct sunlight or next to a radiator would certainly increase this rate of discharge.

Cooler temperatures, slows down this process. A fridge/refrigerator is an ideal cool storage for a laptop battery. However, you will be doing so at your own risk. Manufacturers warranties would not extend to such storage practices, nor would they recommend it!!!

However, here are some precautions before you rush off to store your laptop battery next to the half-eaten takeaway from the weekend.

1. The battery should be securely wrapped and should be placed in an airtight container to protect it from condensation and moisture.
2. Store the laptop battery when not in use for a very long period of time.
3. Always allow the battery to reach room temperature before using it in a laptop.

As I mentioned before, you are doing so at your own risk. No scientific research or study has been carried out on this subject.

A word of warning, DO NOT STORE THE LAPTOP BATTERY IN THE FREEZER, this can be detrimental to the life of the laptop battery.

Labels: fridge, laptop battery, refrigerator, self-discharge

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.

Labels: laptop battery, refurbish battery, replacement

Sharp has announced that 28,000 of its batteries are to be recalled and at the same time Sony has announced that around 60,000 of its laptop batteries are to be recalled mainly in Japan. Battery numbers to be recalled overseas is unclear.

After the recent and possibly ongoing Sony laptop battery recall, I have renewed faith in compatible laptop batteries. I currently use a 2-Power branded laptop battery, from ComputerBatteries. This is the same manufacturer of the Universal Laptop Battery, I reviewed in an earlier post. My old IBM ThinkPad 600's original battery has a capcity of 3000mAh, but the 2-Power branded battery has a capacity of 4000mAh. It has worked without any problems. They also provide a year's warranty and more importantly it was cheaper than the IBM original.

There are plenty of manufacturers and retailers out there. Making it very difficult to distinguish between the genuine ones and the cowboys. Before you make a purchase, ask them questions. Make sure they are easily contactable, in case of problems. Do they provide any Warranty? Are their website secure? These are some of the questions and points to consider if you are entering into the world of compatible laptop batteries.

We all know of Duracell batteries. Very reliable and good quality. A brand that you can trust. Duracell also manufacture batteries for laptops, digital cameras, camcorders and many other devices. These are available through DuracellDirect, which is a partnership between Duracell and PSA Parts Ltd.

The latest battery recall is by Hitachi. It is a modest 16,000 batteries compared to Apple, Dell and a few other manufacturers. This does raise questions of manufacturing standards, quality control and testing by Sony.

Sony VAIO laptops seem unaffected by any battery problems. Does this suugest differring standards or controls.

However, the recalls have highlighted the fact that laptop batteries can be potentially dangerous and the need for improvements in the technology.

According to ComputerWeekly, Fujitsu has joined Dell, Apple, Toshiba and IBM/Lenovo in recalling batteries as they may be a fire risk. Fujitsu will offer replacements of Sony made battery packs.

Sony has said it will be initiating a Global Replacement Program.

First it was Acer teaming up with Ferrari, now it is Asus teaming up with Lamborgihini to produce innovative laptops.

The Lamborghini notebook series is available in both black and yellow, trademark colours of the Lamborghini logo. The VX1 is an ultra-slim 15 inch notebook and boasts dual core processing from Intel and NVidia GeFoce Go7400VX for graphics.

Read more about the Asus Lamborghini VX1 laptop.

We will just have to wait and see for BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche.

According to Reuters, Lenovo are investigating a recent incident where a Lenovo Laptop overheated and caught fire in LA airport. This was a Lenovo ThinkPad T43 laptop with a battery manufactured by Sony. The battery type is the same as the ones recalled by Apple and Dell.

Curious, as to whether any batteries for the VAIO laptops are affected??