Laptop power/battery

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by AnnieM175, Jun 15, 2006.

  1. AnnieM175

    AnnieM175 Private E-2

    I have a questiion which is to do with the fact that my main computer is a desktop. I have a laptop, new 18 months ago, which I have rarely used and which was powered up before I went to Australia for 2 months and another 4 months before I wanted to used it.

    I now require the use of my laptop for writing, my problem is this.

    When I connect the battery to the mains, I have full use of my laptop. However, if I disconnect from the mains and wish to use my laptop, say outdoors or in another room, it does not power up, unless I connect it to the main electricity supply again.

    Does anyone have any notion what's gone wrong, does this sound like a battery problem?

    I have heard that because I didn't use it for such a long time, it's probably kaput! So imagine my surprise when I discovered that it is not, so long as it is plugged in.
     
  2. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Sounds like your battery is not charging ....got a tester?
     
  3. AnnieM175

    AnnieM175 Private E-2

    Sorry no I don't have a tester. The battery charging light continually flashes, instead of stopping once charged, this is why I wondered if it was a battery problem to begin with.

    Can you suggest anything else, i.e. should I be on the lookout for a new battery.
     
  4. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Could be the charger ....only way to tell is with a new charger or new battery ...unless you can take it somewhere and have both tested ...(Radio shack ....?):)
     
  5. AnnieM175

    AnnieM175 Private E-2

    thanks Tim I think I know where I can take it locally. I'm obliged to you.
     
  6. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    No problem ...let us know how it turns out...:) :)
     
  7. bigbazza

    bigbazza R.I.P. 14/12/2011 - Good Onya Geek

    I had the same experience and my battery on my old laptop is dead and will not charge.

    I think laptop batteries should be REMOVED from the laptop if they are not going to be used for a long time. I didn't do it. :p

    Also laptop makers recommend that a battery be completely discharged approximately once a month for best life. Simply disconnect from mains power and run it until it is flat.
    Bazza
    ===

     
  8. languy99

    languy99 Corporal

    from what i know the only batteries you want to discharge are the NiMH, if you have a lithium on they really say should should not discharge it at all, the couple of things i learned is that when your using the laptop with the ac cord take the battery out because if you leave it in it is constantly discharge and recharging and lithium ion battery only have a cell life of about 300-500 cycles then they die.
     
  9. bigbazza

    bigbazza R.I.P. 14/12/2011 - Good Onya Geek

    Thanks for the correction re Lithium batteries.
    My newish laptop is Lithium powered.
    I hadn't noticed that before you posted.
    I haven't tried to run my laptop, on AC, without the battery. Will give it a go.
    Will check out what TOSHIBA recommends, also. Bazza

    ===

     
  10. Snipergod87

    Snipergod87 Specialist

    From my knowledge batterys need to be changed and discharged occasionally, leaving it changed for a long time, or dischanged for a long time is not a good idea beacause the battery may not charge fully next time or change at all, i had this problem with my digital camera and a few other devices.
     
  11. languy99

    languy99 Corporal

    yeah that's true they develop a memory but not lithium ion batteries they don't do that anymore. A lithium-ion battery provides 300-500 discharge/charge cycles. The battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Instead, charge the battery more often or use a larger battery. There is no concern of memory when applying unscheduled charges. Although lithium-ion is memory-free in terms of performance deterioration, batteries with fuel gauges exhibit what engineers refer to as "digital memory". Here is the reason: Short discharges with subsequent recharges do not provide the periodic calibration needed to synchronize the fuel gauge with the battery's state-of-charge. A deliberate full discharge and recharge every 30 charges corrects this problem. Letting the battery run down to the cut-off point in the equipment will do this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate. if you need more info refer here http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm
     
  12. bigbazza

    bigbazza R.I.P. 14/12/2011 - Good Onya Geek

    From my TOSHIBA Tecra A7 manual (yes I did RTFM). Fitted witha 6 cell 4000 mAh Lithium-Ion battery
     
  13. Insomniac

    Insomniac Billy Ray Cyrus #1 Fan

    Manufacturers recommend that usually to recalibrate the battery guage, or because older variations of chemicals used weren't as good.

    Lithium Ion don't suffer from memory, and last longer if they are recharged frequently when in use.

    Fully discharging batteries shortens their life, rather than prolong it, as ALL Li-Ion batteries last only between 300-500 charge/discharge cycles.
     

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