Laptop battery...

[Tom41]

I thought I'd put this here - not really a PSU issue, just the laptop battery...

I have a PC laptop on which the battery seems to have completely died. On a full (few hours) charge, it powers the laptop for 30 seconds and then completely cuts out - not even long enough for it to load up Windows.

If I allow Windows to boot up with the PSU plugged in, then disconnect it after logging in, it immediately starts beeping at me and the notification pops up saying I should change the battery. A few seconds later, the power cuts off as if I'd just removed the battery without shutting down.

Now here's the interesting thing. If I put in a bootable CD of Knoppix Linux, the battery lasts longer! I have to allow it to boot up while the PSU is connected, otherwise the BIOS detects the low battery and shuts off. But once the desktop has appeared, I can disconnect the PSU and the battery will keep the laptop running for 10-15 minutes!

This is still a very short time, but why do you think Linux makes the battery last longer than Windows? I'd buy a new battery, but I think that particular model has been discontinued and is becoming very hard to find in good condition.

[willawake]

Re: Laptop battery...

I'd buy a new battery, but I think that particular model has been discontinued and is becoming very hard to find in good condition.

doesnt matter really. i have had good experience with replacement generic batteries. Energy+ is a good brand.

[Paul S]

Re: Laptop battery...

You can re-cell the battery, if you're handy. I am considering doing that to an old Gateway that I have. It is less than half the price of a replacement battery.

I Googled "how to replace Li-ion cells" and came up with several good how-to's. The best part is that newer cells will give it a longer battery time (after a few cycles of charging/discharging).

Paul

[starfury1]

Re: Laptop battery...

Yeah more then likely someone makes a drop in replacement.....or a Paul S said you could possibly repack it....not sure on the Li ion cells thought.

quick google as per Paul S .........Welcome Paul S

from the mac musing shouldn't be too hard...you will probably have more problems opening the battery pack then doing the job

I would though, check the charging current for what ever you replace them with

don't know what is liable to be for Li ion.....

Oh yeah good point cheek what they are first...Ni MH
I suppose is still possible if its an older unit.

As for it lasting longer with Linux ....My guess would it isn't drive the processor to
ex streams like windows

Thats really is a tongue in cheek answer there tom but I suppose its possible

Cheers

Let us know how you go

[yanz]

Re: Laptop battery...

Linux will activate "halt state" or "stpgnt" by default, it makes the processors runs cooler when idle (not doing anything) because it stops most of the power to proc... cmiiw

WinXP do the same but i think the setting isnt as agressive as linux..

[archae86]

Re: Laptop battery...

I don't know the details, but I think the overall system design tries to protect your battery and your data by initiating shutdown _before_ the battery is actually unable to supply the load.

The difference you report is so large that I suspect that there may be a difference in the detection/response part of this process when running the two OSs on your machine.

If so, than despite its many other virtues, your machine under Linux is finishing the ruin of your battery faster, and taking worse risks with your data, compared to your machine under Windows.

Get a new battery--Real Soon Now.

[Tom41]

Re: Laptop battery...

I have taken the battery out of the laptop and am currently just running it off the mains all the time. Even with a 30-second battery life, it was still good enough for me to move from one power outlet to another without having to shut down, provided I did it quickly!

If the computer is plugged into the mains 99% of the time, would the battery still be getting ruined? Or is it only when attempting to be powered from the battery?