Bigger or spare battery?

I purchased a Dell B130 almost a week ago. It hasn't enterred "kitting" yet, so this has provided me with alot of time to second-guess myself.

I went with the 4-cell battery because it was cheaper and I didn't think I really needed the extra juice. Now that I think about it, I have some classes at school that last 3 hours. If I can't find an AC source, then I will be screwed.

Should I see if I can upgrade the battery for $50? Will this slow my order down? Or, should I purchase a second battery (either 4-cell or 6-cell) to supplement the existing battery? Can anyone give me their thoughts on the matter?

I can't wait for my laptop to ship so I can throw Gentoo Linux on it.

 

I would just get another battery. That way you have 2 and will always have a spare. But then it comes down to what you want. If your in no hurry to get it, then call and have the bigger battery put in. If possible, then i would do that. If you need this laptop asap, then just get an extra battery. Instead of buying from dell, you can look around Ebay for great deals on batterys.

 

Yeah, I guess I'll wait for Ebay to have batteries for the b130. Dell doesn't even sell extra batteries for the laptop yet. :hardfind:

Also, if anyone's order is expected to ship around the 16th, let me know when it actually gets shipped out. I still believe there is something holding my order up. Just a gut feeling, and because I have zero faith in Dell's customer service or capability to build computers.

 

I ordered a 700m (which should get here Monday) with the standard battery and plan to get an extended battery on eBay as a spare. (The 700m is notorious for poor battery life, so if it's really a pain, I could use the extended as my main and the standard as my spare.)

 

if you're main concern is for battery length during a class, then a 2nd battery doesn't make much sense because you would have to swap it in the middle of class (assuming it won't last 3 hours). a bigger battery is probably a better solution.

 

I'm in the same frame of mind. In fact, I cancelled my first order the next day as I was second-guessing my selections. I reordered late with another quick Dell special and coupon (at a higher price than my first order).

Looking at Dell's policies, if you want to change an existing order they will cancel the order you now have and place an entirely new order. They warn that you won't be getting the same price as the cancelled order. It sounds as if you ordered under a special promotion, cancelling that and reorfering you won't get the special price.

I didn't upgrade the battery on my order and am going to try to find a compatible one somewhere else. I think there are batteries available from Dell, but they are SO expensive.

I failed to order the Windows Xp backup CD when I ordered and am trying to find a way to get one of those without screwing up my present order. One page tells you that you get the CD and I find that I am not.

Dealing with Dell has been the most stressful online ordering experience I ever had. I've almost second guessed myself into wishing I'd never ordered the darned thing.

 

Thats where I am, and I haven't even received the thing yet As somebody mentioned, batteries are available on eBay, so I guess it's just a matter of waiting for manufacturers to clone the new Dell batteries.

I don't think I'm going to cancel my order, I've waited long enough.. and it hasn't done anything.

 

Yeah then Ebay for your battery is your best bet. heh, you can just use the bigger battery while your at school and when your home you can use the 4 cell. (or if you think the 4 cell will never get use, sell it on ebay?)

Yeah i checked and ebay doesnt have batterys yet but they should soon.

 

AngryLlama, im sorry to tell you, but my order was supposed to be shipped on the 16th, and it was shipped on Nov. 30th.... thats kind of wierd... Its already here my laptop, just not at my house. I have to wait till christmas.

I also make sure i talked to someone than just ordering it off the computer. Makes me feel more like its gonna come and knowing that ive talked to someone.... you know what i mean.

 

In my opinion, i would rather just get a 9 cell. Its a pain to change in between classes, but since you don't want to cancel your order and ebay doesn't have them yet, check some online vendors or possibly amazon for used 9 cells.

It might take awhile with the b130 since it was just release, and probably has a ton of orders. When I ordered my 9300, it was the same way. It took longer than normal to get it since it had been released. If it doesn't change status soon, call dell up and see what is going on. They might give you free overnight shipping or 50 dollars off coupon, etc.

SG