My battery only lasts 30 min and is only 9 months old.?

Question

I have a Toshiba Satellite A105-S101 that was bought new 1 year ago. It came with a 4 cell battery (14.4V at 2000mAh) that lasted only one hour. I bought a replacement 8 cell battery (Not name Brand 10V at 4400mAh) and it lasted 2 hours. After 9 months this battery doesn't last very long. Only 30 min. Is the battery defective? I know batteries don't last forever, but this is redicules. I am thinking about buying another battery. Should I spend the extra money and get an new battery from Toshiba (8 cell 14V at 4000mAh) or can I spend half as much on a new (no name) brand with the same specs? I would consider mysleft a heavy laptop user and keep my laptop plugged in most of the time. Please help.

Answer 1

Batteries don't last very long at all. Get a no-name one, they're all the same stuff anyway, just like brands of gasoline. Also, you're supposed to unplug the laptop when it's off, and it's recommended that you drain the battery at least once a month. It should say so in the instructions.

Answer 2

Hi, I had the same problem, I have a Dell Inspiron... I had to purchase a new battery after a year and a half of using it because it would only last around 20 min compared to the 3 hours when I first got it.

Batteries according to many manufacturers, have to be completely drained before recharge to help the battery "Live" longer.

Also, to maximize the battery life, you can charge your battery while not using your computer and when your using your computer, take out the battery and run on outlet power. This will reduce battery usage and further your batteries life.

So you will more than likely have to purchase another battery, some manufacturers of batteries will give you discounts towards another batter or even exchanges (warranties) if you give them your battery back for re-use.

Hope I was helpful, and good luck!

Answer 3

WisdomC - draining/recycling batteries is so 1990's

Today's Lithium Ion batteries are much more low maintenance. Here's a clip from a Dell forum thread:
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EJ,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

I know of nothing that will guarantee that your battery will last beyond 2-3 years. The battery on a new system is warranted by Dell for 1 year.

If you are plugged into AC power continuously, then one suggestion is to discharge the battery about 40% and then store it outside of the system. Another suggestion is to exercise the battery occasionally, by discharging it about 60%. This does not need to be done often. You should also try to avoid discharging the battery completely on a regular basis.

Answer 4

Batteries are guaranteed for a year most of the time.I would take it back if I could since a year has not passed.I unplug mine when not in use and I have also heard that batteries tend to get a memory if you do not run them all the way down.