laptop loses its charge

[invictius]

I've got a 2005 model laptop, battery is barely a year old - I can charge it to 100%, when I use it 2 weeks later, it can be as low as 40%. If I leave it longer, it can run flat. I've also got a 400mhz dell, but that one NEVER loses its charge... what gives? (they're both lithium ion batteries btw)

[EmAn]

Can we get the specs of this laptop?

[CGR]

Not all batteries are equal. Some hold charges better and longer than others.

Its possible the life of the battery was reduced due to not being fully drained and charged. People have a tendacy to plug their laptop power in all the time. That is bad for the battery.

[invictius]

Not all batteries are equal. Some hold charges better and longer than others.

Its possible the life of the battery was reduced due to not being fully drained and charged. People have a tendacy to plug their laptop power in all the time. That is bad for the battery.

When I got it, it was 40% full. IIRC I ran it into the ground then fully charged it. Anyway, a guy at an electronics store (a mom n' pop one, knows his stuff) said it's like a car battery, it will lose its charge over time, and that laptops are generally used a couple of times a week, and it's normal to leave them on charge over a period of a day or 2. Does that sound sensible?

[madhatter256]

If the laptop is new and from dell, check with dell to make sure it's not part of the recall list.

Also, battery quality has degraded overtime. Don't expect it to last you even 1 year anymore unless you buy from high end manufacturers like high-end IBM laptop thinkpads or Dell XPS/Latitude. If you use your laptop often and have it plugged in, then use it without the battery in it. Once a week or 2 or more put the battery in and let the laptop drain the power, then recharge it all the way back again. It does help in prolonging its life but eventually it will lose its charge.

I have a Toshiba Satellite that was built in 1996 and it still holds its full charge.