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    Dell Inspiron 8600

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Reallyslow, Nov 22, 2007.

  1. Reallyslow

    Reallyslow Newbie

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    Hey Guys!

    I've had a Dell Inspiron 8600 since 2004. The Battery light blinks yellow sometimes. And sometimes the battery won't charge. What can I do?

    And also are there faster processors out for this laptop now? Everything seems to work well so no need to get rid of it...

    Thanks,

    James
     
  2. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    Welcome to NBR :)

    Your battery is probably just dying of old age. I would look into picking up a new battery if possible. Check the battery guide for more information about battery technology/care. www.batteryuniversity.com has some more, albeit technical, information.

    As far as processors are concerned you may be better off upgrading RAM. If you'd post the specs of your machine we'd be able to offer better advice.
     
  3. Tybalt39

    Tybalt39 Notebook Evangelist

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    Hello James,

    Don't know if you're still following this thread...

    If you upgrade to Bios version A14, you can use the Dothan CPU's (only the 400Mhz FSB). This gives you a faster CPU with more L2 cache.

    Check (common on-line auction site) for used CPU's...
     
  4. Redbarron

    Redbarron Notebook Guru

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    Didnt know there was another 8600 owner out there. I am on my second battery, which is pretty much dead, and my machine started blinking yellow as well. Just wondering - do you have a nividia graphics card, and if so, do you have errors from it?
     
  5. tlmama

    tlmama Notebook Geek

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    Another 8600 owner here. Still works well, though I'm looking around for another pc since this one is 4 yrs old. I've maxed out the ram at 2 GB and still have the original battery, though I use it plugged in 80% of the time. (with the battery still in it) I've had no nvidia errors; it has the GeForce FX Go5200 and a 1.4 GHZ processor.
     
  6. Wolfpup

    Wolfpup Notebook Prophet

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    That's cool, I'd forgotten the Pentium M's been around that long! I remember considering one of those systems.
     
  7. WorkingDay

    WorkingDay Newbie

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    Hi there! I am still using my first battery and it also started causing blinking.

    Just wondering, is it possible to disable this annoying behaviour in a way, other than put a sticker on it : )