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    Maintaining battery life?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by hydralisks, Jun 12, 2008.

  1. hydralisks

    hydralisks Notebook Consultant

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    Hi, I want the battery in my m1530 to last as long as possible (need to keep this laptop for 4 years)

    What should I do to allow my battery to have the longest life possible?

    When I am using the laptop with the AC adaptor plugged in (at home), is it best to take the battery out, or does it not matter that much?
    If I will be gone on vacation and won't be using the laptop for a month, how much should the battery be charged at (close to 5%, 50%, fully charged?, etc.)?

    Thanks very much!
     
    hydralisks, Jun 12, 2008
    #1
  2. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    Just be prepared to buy a new battery after 2 or 3 years. It is inevitable you will need to get a new one.
     
    nizzy1115, Jun 12, 2008
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  3. hydralisks

    hydralisks Notebook Consultant

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    How much are XPS 6cell batteries normally?
     
    hydralisks, Jun 12, 2008
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  4. Polarix

    Polarix Notebook Evangelist

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    Polarix, Jun 12, 2008
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  5. ratdog

    ratdog Notebook Enthusiast

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    Depends on whether you need the UPS backup that the battery provides when working plugged in. For instance if you use the laptop for work, time is money. How much do you stand to lose if a plug comes out versus the cost of the battery?

    I leave mine in because of work. Money lost for doing work twice if the power tip comes out is much more than a new battery every two years. It's not worth it for me, but each person's situation is different.
     
    ratdog, Jun 12, 2008
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  6. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    David, Jun 12, 2008
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  7. MadeiraG

    MadeiraG Notebook Consultant

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    i agree with whats been said , i leave mine plugged in all the time and if i have to buy a new battery in 2 or so years then its fine but if you really want to save the battery i guess best way is to remove it if its plugged in for any length of time
     
    MadeiraG, Jun 12, 2008
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  8. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    I'm fairly new to the laptop world and IBM uses the same batteries for a few generations - but what about Dell? Would I be able to get a battery for my Inspiron 1520 after 3 or 4 years ... provided I will still have it after that long.
     
    millermagic, Jun 12, 2008
    #8