Ibm Spare

Mar 30
2005

It isn’t always the battery, stupid!

I have a friend who works at BatteryEdge.com, an online retail store that sells compatible replacement batteries for laptop computers, and the other day she was lamenting some customers had returned their new batteries because they wouldn’t charge, when in fact, they had defective AC chargers. Here’s what she told me (and, which I verified from independent sources):

“The batteries we sell on our website are charged, tested, and certified by the manufacturer, before they are shipped to our warehouse in Reno. When they do come back to us, it’s usually for one or two reasons: either the customer failed to follow the instructions we include with each product as to the proper way to charge a battery, or they have a faulty AC adapter that’s not putting out enough juice to properly charge the unit.”

There might be several reasons for this, she continued. “Sometimes the connection between the adapter and the computer is damaged, or no longer fits properly. Other times, we discover that the adapter’s circuit breaker has tripped, compromising its ability to adequately charge or recharge the battery.” Different laptops use different AC adapters. For example, a powerbook G4 adapter, is very different from a Dell Inspiron 6000 adapter, just as an HP DV6000 battery is nothing like an IBM T60 battery.

Can This Charger Be Saved?

There is a well-written, informative post at Laptop Parts 101 that explains how to test the adapter for damage. Another method of testing an AC adapter is provided by Level 8 Technology. But these may not be for the technologically challenged.

Fortunately there’s another solution: Online retailers like, BatteryEdge.com, have a large selection of high-quality AC adapters for almost every laptop and notebook computer model, and some even offer a universal ac power adapter that is compatible with 90% of today’s most popular laptops.

Your Battery, Your Self

As with everything in this world , the better you care for your laptop battery, the better it will serve you and your needs.

The following operating instructions, from the instruction sheet that accompanies each battery that ships from the BatteryEdge.com warehouse, explains:

Although each battery is charged before it leaves the factory, charge it fully, preferably overnight.
Then, discharge it completely.
Next, fully charge it again (preferably overnight).
Again, allow the battery to discharge completely.
This initial charge-discharge cycle should optimize your laptop battery for regular use.
And, to maintain the battery’s life and performance: Perform a full-discharge / full-charge cycle at least once a month.
Remove the battery and store in a cool location if you will not be using it for one month or longer.

Stock Up And Save (Your Data)

And, as a safety precaution–to preserve data and maintain a laptop that is always ready, it’s usually a good idea to keep a supply of fully charged spares handy. To avoid breaking the bank, we suggest you shop around and compare prices from compatible replacement battery sources, such as BatteryEdge.com, that sell products that are guaranteed, compatible, carry a warranty, and are usually as much as 50% less expensive than their OEM equivalents.

For example, on their website on can find:

Dell Inspiron E1501 and 1501 battery replacements, Inspiron 9200 battery – $49.90;
The Dell Latitude D600 battery, again $49.90;
Plus, Mac batteries and adapters, Toshiba batteries and adapters, and many more.

About the Author

Bat Mann is a 10-year veteran of the growing field of laptop-battery journalism. He counts among his extensive roster of clients, BatteryEdge.com, a Reno, Nevada– based online retailer of compatible laptop replacement batteries.