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    5 months Battery Issues

    Discussion in 'Samsung' started by enfo, Apr 27, 2011.

  1. enfo

    enfo Newbie

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    Hello :)

    I'm having problems with the battery of a samsung r528. (bought on december of 2010, less than 5 months)

    When i'm on battery mode, the power works well from 80% to 70% charge then suddenly jumps to 8%. (so i can use only 20% of it)
    Which makes the battery almost useless. (only 20 minutes)

    This is my first notebook,
    Should I send it to the warranty?, (so I get a replacement)
    or is this normal behavior?

    I'll appreciate any help.



    Some info:
    - Since i bought it, i've activated the extended life cycle on the bios, who only allows the battery to charge 80%.
    - I rarely use the battery alone. (firsts months i used to unplug it when on AC power, but the lasts 2 i forgot to do it)
     
    enfo, Apr 27, 2011
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  2. davidfor

    davidfor Notebook Consultant

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    A five month old battery shouldn't do that. The decrease in power left should be reasonably linear (if your usage stays roughly the same). I would complain and get it replaced. Before doing that, try calibrating the battery. I don't think it will help, but you might be asked to do it before they will replace the battery. It is an option in the BIOS and the manual describes how to get there.
     
    davidfor, Apr 28, 2011
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  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I agree: A battery that shows non-linear discharge with a sudden loss of capacity needs to be replaced. Disable the extended life option, run the calibration option and then plot a graph of remaining time / capacity while under constant usage (such as playing a moving). Then contact Samsung support. Once you have explained the steps you have already taken then I would expect them to arrange a replacement battery without further hassle.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Apr 28, 2011
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  4. enfo

    enfo Newbie

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    Thanks davidfor and John Ratsey for the responses.

    I will do a last test and contact the support.
     
    enfo, Apr 28, 2011
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  5. davidfor

    davidfor Notebook Consultant

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    The graph is a really good idea. And to make it easy, the professional version of BatteryBar or Passmark BatteryMon will do the graph for you. Both have allow a free trial.
     
    davidfor, Apr 29, 2011
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