We're starting a project to supply laptops to underprivileged school kids. The laptops are sourced from corporate donations (for the most part). So, many "identical" units -- though not enough for the entire project (we're looking at > 1000 laptops).
I am anticipating that many of the batteries will be dead. Or, dying. Or, may die soon after the laptop is rehomed (and, repairing/replacing it at that point would be tedious and inconvenient, for all parties).
At one extreme is the idea of just replacing all batteries before distribution. This would be prohibitively expensive.
The other extreme is "as is, where is" (if your battery works, you're a lucky one! if not, <shrug>).
A middle ground would be to recondition the batteries (trading volunteer labor and the cost of the cells against the cost of a new pack).
I'd like to avoid this as I don't consider it practical -- hours involved, skillsets involved, differences in packs (number and types of cells), cosmetic issues (I assume all packs are solvent welded -- "no user serviceable parts inside").
And, once you commit to providing a functional battery (as in the first option), then you invite clients to come back for repairs when that battery shits the bed.
Does this seem reasonable? Is there another alternative that I've missed?
[I need to make my pitch to the powers-that-be and don't want to overlook any issues]
I am anticipating that many of the batteries will be dead. Or, dying. Or, may die soon after the laptop is rehomed (and, repairing/replacing it at that point would be tedious and inconvenient, for all parties).
At one extreme is the idea of just replacing all batteries before distribution. This would be prohibitively expensive.
The other extreme is "as is, where is" (if your battery works, you're a lucky one! if not, <shrug>).
A middle ground would be to recondition the batteries (trading volunteer labor and the cost of the cells against the cost of a new pack).
I'd like to avoid this as I don't consider it practical -- hours involved, skillsets involved, differences in packs (number and types of cells), cosmetic issues (I assume all packs are solvent welded -- "no user serviceable parts inside").
And, once you commit to providing a functional battery (as in the first option), then you invite clients to come back for repairs when that battery shits the bed.
Does this seem reasonable? Is there another alternative that I've missed?
[I need to make my pitch to the powers-that-be and don't want to overlook any issues]
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