Computer guys, quick question

[WRXtranceformed]

Just within the past day, my laptop can't be turned on unless the AC power cord is plugged in. As soon as I remove the cord to go mobile, the PC turns completely off and can't be turned back on again. Should I just be looking to replace the battery, or is there something else I should check first?

Thanks! 8)

Edit: Oh, it's a Dell Inspiron 700m that I bought from John (which has been awesome btw!!)

[HAULN-SS]

Battery dead most likely - got another laptop you can switch that battery into to check it?

[WRXtranceformed]

Hrm, not another Dell laptop unfortunately... my mom has a Toshiba.

[HAULN-SS]

got a volt meter? check the output on the leads and see what you come up with. It probably has stamped on it somewhere what the output should be

[HappyIdiot]

Also, if you constantly leave the battery in, when you have the laptop plugged in, it will completely kill the battery life until it doesn't hold a charge at all.

[Sijray21]

Also, if you constantly leave the battery in, when you have the laptop plugged in, it will completely kill the battery life until it doesn't hold a charge at all.

+1

happened to my old compaq

[HAULN-SS]

yeah - same here on an old computer

I still leave it in on my gateway though - but i can tella huge difference in how hot the computer gets if i take the battery out while using it plugged in

[JackoliciousLegs]

Why do I not have this issue with my Apple?

[HAULN-SS]

<sarcasm>
Cause Apple computers are the best thing since sliced bread!

</s>

[Sijray21]

Why do I not have this issue with my Apple?

just curious - do you have an internal battery or external that can be replaced?

how long is your battery life?

[WRXtranceformed]

Also, if you constantly leave the battery in, when you have the laptop plugged in, it will completely kill the battery life until it doesn't hold a charge at all.

Yeah, this is probably what happened. I always leave the battery in. Guess I'll have to pick up a new one ... thanks guys =)

[JackoliciousLegs]

Why do I not have this issue with my Apple?

just curious - do you have an internal battery or external that can be replaced?

how long is your battery life?

external. It can be removed easily so you could buy a second. Life is anywhere from 2.5/3 hrs when I'm running windows/osx alongside eachother.. to just over 4 hrs when doing simple stuff (watching movies/doing personal work). Basically, on a plane, I'll start up my web server, do work, stop, watch a movie, then keep doing work on an east coast -> west coast flight and I'll be at 10% remaining.

[HappyIdiot]

I know with the powerbook, it has one you can take out and I assume the pro is the same way.

[Sijray21]

Life is anywhere from 2.5/3 hrs when I'm running windows/osx alongside eachother..

i forgot you have that new apple. having the latest technology might also have something to do with the battery working when plugged in. my compaq that did this was old (bought in 2004), and i'm sure the OPs laptop is near that age as well. i have a IBM thinkpad T60 currently and i don't have any issues with the battery / a/c power cord connection. I also had a T43 that didn't have any issues. I think after age and extended use it becomes a problem if you always leave the a/c cord powering the laptop while the battery is connected.

[JackoliciousLegs]

You need to not use the battery all the time. Also, partial charges do lots of harm. That's across the board.

[JohnC]

Sorry to hear you're having issues with it Lee - I never had any problems while it was under my ownership.

[.RJ]

I've had the same problem with my 700m, to a similar extent. I can unplug it and it has about 5 minutes of battery life before it shuts off. Replacement batteries are ~$50 on ebay. I rarely use it these days, so I havent bothered.

[WRXtranceformed]

No worries John, the PC itself is awesome... it just sounds like it's my fault the battery pooped. Thanks for the tip Ryan, I'll probably hit one up on Ebay after I recover from the assraping I received at the hands of the IRS this year =(

[JackoliciousLegs]

macs can also have this little guy :-)

[Nick325is]

Lee,

The same thing happened to my Dell. As soon as the power was unplugged the computer turned off. I replaced the battery and let it charge up and all was well.


-Nick