Battery Depot

My New Laptop Battery Won't Charge

The typical Acer notebook battery lasts approximately two years depending on usage. During that time, it slowly loses its effectiveness until it no longer holds a charge. There are other things that affect your battery's ability to charge, depending on the type you have. For example, Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries need to be fully discharged before recharging to prevent loss of power. Li-ion (Lithium Ion) shouldn't be "overcharged" by leaving the battery charging after it has fully charged. Even if the battery is new, it will lose effectiveness if not properly cared for.

Check the power connector to see if it fits snugly. Pull it out and push it back in.

Try a different outlet. If the outlet has electrical problems it may prevent a good charge.

Use an alternate power cord, if available. Borrow one from a friend or use a compatible one from a radio or other laptop.

Try a different battery. If the other Dell notebook battery works, send the new one back for replacement.

Check the connection where the power adapter attaches to the laptop. If it is loose, there may not be enough power flowing in to charge the battery. Replace the motherboard or repair the DC jack.

Uninstall "Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery" from device manager. The device manager is found by right-clicking "My Computer." (Just "Computer" in Vista or Windows 7). Restart the computer to reinstall the battery device drivers. Alternatively, download and install more compatible drivers from the manufacturer.

Use HP Battery Check for HP laptops to test the status of the battery (see Resources).

Apple Specific

Turn on the laptop and put it to sleep if it's a PowerBook. Some earlier models need to be turned on to charge.

Download and install an update for Mac OS X by going to the "Software Update" preference pane. You need Mac OS 10.2.4 or later, and you can also get it from Apple Software Downloads.

Reset the power management unit as directed by Compaq notebook batteries. This button is accessed by removing the case: Do this only as a last resort.

Turn the power cord so the black nub is turned horizontally if you have the PowerBook G4. If you have it turned vertically, it will touch the lid and stop the cord from going all the way in.

How to Preserve a Laptop Battery

Laptop computers are extremely convenient due to their portability, and their internal batteries that allow for computing in places where there is no electricity immediately available. Battery life is an important consideration when using a laptop--the longer the Apple A1342 battery lasts, the more work you can get done away from a power source. Therefore, it is important to take steps to reduce power consumption, and increase the overall life span of the battery.

Keep your computer and battery as cool as possible. Just as heat is bad for a computer's CPU, it is also detrimental to batteries. The hotter a battery is, the faster its charge will drop over time. Keep the laptop out of direct sunlight, and never leave the battery in a hot place.

Draw less power when using your computer. The more applications you run on your computer, and the higher your power settings, the more the battery will drain during use. Running fewer programs at one time, and changing power settings, such as reducing the brightness of the display, will extend Apple A1331 laptop battery life. Running graphically intense programs like games is especially hard on batteries, since graphics cards draw large amounts of power, and generate a lot of heat.

Avoid USB external devices. USB devices draw power from the computer. The more USB devices you are using, like mice, external hard drives and MP3 players, the quicker your battery will drain.

Allow the battery to fully discharge on occasion. While it is generally best to keep the battery charged, and not allow it to run out completely, it can extend the life of the battery to allow it to fully discharge once in a while, such as every few weeks.

Don't use the battery if you don't have to. While some battery use is helpful to keep the battery used to being used, don't use the battery all the time if you can plug the computer into a power source. Batteries can only be drained and charged a certain number of times before they start to lose charge, so using the battery too often can shorten the life of the laptop battery for MacBook 13.

Since heat is bad for batteries, it can be helpful to run the laptop without the battery to avoid the negative effects of heat. The downside is that a battery which is not connected, may lose charge over time, which can also decrease battery life.

How to Recycle Old Laptop Batteries

Not only is recycling your Apple A1321 laptop battery the right thing to do, it could be the only legal option. Computer Hope notes that the United States has more than 500 recycling laws; depending on where you live, you may be mandated to recycle that old battery. With a few phone calls, you can determine the best recycling option for you and take advantage of local drop-off programs or nationwide mail-in programs to recycle your laptop battery.

Take your laptop battery to an office supply store that offers electronics recycling. As Computer Hope notes, Best Buy, Radio Shack, Office Max and Office Depot all offer electronics recycling in the store.

Purchase an iRecycle kit from MacBook Pro 15 A1286 Battery Recycling (see Resources), then place your laptop battery inside and send it back to them. In addition to laptop batteries, they recycle every type of battery and many other electronic items. They sell kits from 12 to 50 lb. and include shipping, materials and recycling fees in their price. In 2010 a 12 lb. kit cost $34.95; this can fit the laptop battery and much more.

Contact your laptop manufacturer directly to inquire about battery recycling. Many companies offer laptop-recycling programs for their products that allow you to mail in items. Recycle the used laptop battery through your computer manufacturer if it offers such a program.

Call your town's recycling office to determine whether they offer a laptop battery for Apple A1322 recycling program or an electronics waste recycling program that will allow you to recycle the battery in your community. Follow their recommended procedures for local recycling, if it's an option.

How to Care of Your Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium batteries are the leading battery technology in radio-controlled aircraft due to their light weight, high energy density, and long life. 

 As with any battery technology, proper care must be taken when charging Li-ion batteries.  All rechargeable batteries, from the lead-acid Ryobi power tool battery in your car to the familiar NiCads, are potentially dangerous if charged improperly.  All types of batteries present potential fume, heat, and bursting hazards, usually stated clearly on a label and/or on an accompanying printed sheet.  Be aware and use proper care.

Charging lithium batteries is a simple procedure, but requires the correct level of voltage, a specified charge rate, etc.  Make sure that you read, understand, and follow the safety information provided with any type of battery you purchase and use.

Make certain to charge any battery only according to the manufacturer's instructions, always using the charger built for that battery.  Avoid "universal" chargers that may not be built for the correct charge rate or voltage.

Below are some tips for maintaining your new lithium battery packs.

ince lithium-ion is different than nickel and cadmium-based Black & Decker cordless drill batteries, how should we take care of lithium batteries?

1. Charge often.  Don't try to fully discharge the battery packs frequently. This only adds strain.  Several partial discharges (regular use) with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one total discharge.

Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion battery pack does not cause any harm because it has no "memory".

2. Avoid heat.  Short battery life in model airplanes is more likely to be caused by heat rather than charge/discharge patterns.  Keep the lithium-ion battery cool. Avoid a hot car, for example.

3. Don't charge up the battery pack just to store it away.  When storing for long periods of time, keep the battery at a 40% charge level.  Consider removing the battery from a laptop when running on fixed power. (Some laptop manufacturers are concerned about dust and moisture accumulating inside the battery casing.)

4. Use the right charger.  By now you probably know that each kind of battery has its own technology, its own rate of charge and so on.  Charging lithium packs correctly is one way to extend their life and to avoid damage.  The NMP lithium-ion charger is designed specifically for charging the NMP lithium-ion battery pack safely, on the bench, in the field, or in the car.

5. Don't use old batteries.  Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use.  While it makes perfect sense to have 2 or 3 extra Paslode drill battery packs, so that you always have a fresh one charged up and ready to go, it isn't a great idea to just buy up batteries and keep them around for years before using them.

How to Buy Power Tools At a Pawn Shop

When you need a POWER TOOL for the handyman or the craftsman in your family but your budget is limited, it is possible to find bargains if you know where to look. Ordinarily you would shop your local home improvement or hardware store for new tools. However, if you have a limited budget you can find good Bosch power tool battery at the right price.

Go directly to the tool department. It is easy to be distracted by the other items you find. Look at available tools carefully. Many times the tool is still in the original case. If you find something you want take it to the sales person and have them plug it in for a test. When testing power tools listen to it run. The motor should run smooth and should not miss, skip, or drag. If the sales person refuses to plug in the item you should find another PAWN SHOP. The item is suspect.

Battery tools should definitely be tested before you purchase. If the Makita power tool battery is not charged, have them charge it for you and make sure the charger goes with the tool. This assures you that the battery is good.

To purchase your item always try to get a reduction from the asking price. Most pawn shops will deal with you if an appropriate offer is made. You should ask for 10% less than the asking price. Although pawn brokers do not pay retail prices they must make a profit on the items they sell. You will be surprised at how much they will reduce the price if you ask.

Start shopping around for your POWER TOOL before you need to purchase so that you will be able to take your time and get the best deal. Pawn shops have many bargains if you shop carefully.

Make sure you want an item before you purchase. Most National drill battery shops do not accept returns.

You can find pawn shop bargains but be selective.