Why does my laptop constantly need re-charged?

Question

I just received my Dell Inspiron 1501 notebook in the mail and I noticed it goes dead rather quickly. After charging it for one full night, I only have 2 hours and 17 minutes worth of battery power left. This is the first laptop computer I have owned, so I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if this is normal. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Your 2 hours and 17 minutes is typical.

You may want to invest in a second (backup) battery if you're a road-warrior.

Otherwise, welcome to the club.

Answer 2

This is actually pretty typical for a laptop. I have had my Copaq laptop about 18 months and this is pretty typical for the battery life.

If you want a battery with a longer life, you can go on the Dell website and look for replacement batteries. You should be able to purchase new battery with more cells that will last longer. Like my laptop, I would guess that you have a 6 cell battery. Try looking at an 8 cell battery.

Answer 3

As the majority has told u, this is normal for most 6-cell batteries. Either buy a replacement battery or a12-cell battery (or 8-cell) . There are ways to decrease consumption but most laptops do these automatically (like decrease contrast). In anycase u can check ur battery but there is no problem definatelly. What u may dont know is that once ur battery is charged remove it from laptop. it is better, when u use the laptop and its plugged in the power supply not to hv the battery one. Will increase its life.

Answer 4

2 Hours is pretty good battery life on a notebook. If you need longer, try purchasing a battery for the unit with more cells (9 cell batteries last longer).

Also, remember the average battery life on a notebook is about 18 months. Every charge will shorten the battery life slightly. Try draining it down all the way and charge to full capacity every so often.

Answer 5

That is about the right amount of time for a battery. The PC will use as much power as it needs to run the commands that you provide. Laptop batteries are not known to last for more than what you have already stated unless you pay for the really expensive ones but they only last a few more hours than what you already have now.

Answer 6

Could be a bad battery... Or you could be just doing too much on your computer when running on battery! Try to limit your running programs to things like web browsing and word processing... Not so much games, movies, and music as that uses a relatively large amount of power.

Since you just got it, I'd advise contacting Dell directly and asking.. Its under warranty, or it should be :)

Try removing the battery and then reinstalling it.. The directions for that would have come with your new notebook.

Good luck,

--John

Answer 7

Hi there. Probably the biggest problem is that the battery of your laptop is facing some problems...try to find your distributor and ask him/her about your battery and ask for refund or exchange. It should have a warranty. But, for a dell laptop, i think that 2 hours is a little bit little, cause dell comps are kinda long-lasting.

Answer 8

That sounds right for that battery.

Tips on using a battery longer:
*Lower the screen brightness - This will extend your battery life
*Don't play CDs/DVDs when running on a battery - It'll drain the battery
*Don't run large programs while using battery - It'll run the processor harder and it'll drain the battery

See if these tips help out.

Enjoy

Answer 9

With the flexibility off there slould be no drain on your battery. there is no reason to alter your battery except it is going lifeless from applying it. The battery shouldn't sense heat except you have a drain (applying it) on it. verify with the laptops producer to confirm if there's a keep in mind on the batteries you have there have been some undesirable ones accessible.

Answer 10

they only get about 2 hours. you can turn down the screen brightness that will give you more time. but 2 1/2 is normal