Looking for advice from our KT computer experts

11 years ago

Trying to cover all my bases by posting the same message here as I just did on Computer Help forum.

I have a Dell Laptop Latitude D520 with Windows 7. It was bought for me last year and not new. For the longest time, the battery was staying 100% charged and now it's at 88% with the message plugged in, not charging.

I've changed the plug in area, but nothing has changed.

What's the operating difference between a new and replacement battery? Is it worth it to buy a replacement? Should I also be replacing the charger?

Thank you.

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Comments (10)

Jasdip
11 years ago
My 4 yr old laptop stopped holding a charge. Like you it would show less and less percentage of charge. I would run the battery down regularly and charge it fully again.

My previous laptop, I kept the battery in all the time and the battery wouldn't hold a charge at all. So I no longer keep the battery in.

I bought a replacement battery at Amazon for $30.....far cheaper than anywhere else.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
It's not uncommon for the battery to do that. I have the same thing on my netbook. I ordered a replacement battery for mine. If you leave it plugged in all the time, try instead letting it drain down over half way from time to time.
I don't think your charger is bad probably just the battery.
If you use the laptop portable and need that then you will need a new battery. If you only use it in one place and don't use the battery then it's really up to you whether you get a replacement.
If that's the case you can remove the battery and just leave it plugged in like a desktop if you have that ability with that laptop.
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Granlan_TX
Original Author
11 years ago
So if you take the battery out, it keeps running and how?

I was wondering if the charger, which I keep plugged in, needs replacing, too?

I feel so silly not knowing the answers.

And is a replacement battery as reliable as a new one, or would you expect it to not last as long?
Granlan_TX
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok Raven, I don't have WiFi, so laptop stays in one place.

I have DSL through AT&T so I'm guessing I could remove the battery. How is that an advantage? And how would I run down the battery or drain it from time to time? And again I'm asking how would that help?

Feeling so very uninformed. Thank you Jasdip and Raven.
kayjones
11 years ago
I got my new replacement battery on EBay for $15 a year ago - of course, I don't know which vendor.
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
If it's working and you don't rely on battery life for unconnected use, there's no problem.

I agree with the suggestion to not leave laptops constantly plugged in. They should very regularly (once a week or so) be disconnected and fully run down before being recharged.

There are many cheap, third party (not original equipment) batteries on the market for laptops and smartphones and I would avoid them like a plague. That's why they're cheap, and it's what you typically find being sold by generic web and eBay sellers. The most likely component to catch fire in a device is the lithium battery, buying something cut-rate of unknown quality is a false economy.

Always look for brand name (OEM or OEM approved) batteries to be safe. For now, granlan, I think there's nothing you need do. If it will run with the battery out, do that when it no longer holds a charge. No need for concern.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
You run down the battery by unplugging from the power and using it strictly from the battery. That's how a laptop is supposed to be used, you unplug it and carry it to your bedroom or recliner etc. During this time it is using the battery power. In your case just unplug it and use it in place running from the battery to drain it down.
It will depend on the quality of the replacement battery as to how well it holds up. I got mine from a battery supply store on eBay matching exactly what was on my existing battery. Since your laptop was used your battery could be a replacement.
You can remove the battery from the laptop and just plug the laptop into the power leaving the battery out of the equation. Mine are that way I don't know anything about yours to give you instructions.
You can try going to Google and search for the exact model of it and quite possibly find good information about your laptop.
Granlan_TX
Original Author
11 years ago
You all have been so much help and I'm understanding the situation so much better. Such a relief to me to learn these things.

I have already seen the battery and it is a Dell and I had decided I'd be getting the same when I did need to purchase another. Not sure if the current battery is a used one or not; my dear brother-in-law found this laptop for me. I'm glad to have it after my new ASUS was stolen from my home last May; I sure was enjoying that thing.
cynic
11 years ago
I am not an advocate of removing the battery and using it on the charger alone. If you lose power, even for an instant, you can lose all saved settings in the computer, you may even have to reset the CMOS in rare circumstances but we are talking about Dell. You'll likely corrupt files and more. Leave the battery in. Even if it doesn't last long, it'll give you a chance to shut it down properly and possibly save headaches down the road.
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
The scenario you're describing cynic is no different than what happens with a desktop when power goes out. You may lose what's currently in progress or open files if changed, usually nothing else. Such problems can be avoided by saving work product files regularly and/or making sure autosave functions are turned on.

A surge can disrupt settings but a clean power cut out usually won't.

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