laptop battery

[laura_lou7]

does anyone have any tips of revitalisng a laptop battery as I can't afford the �60+ cost of a new one!

[LeMarchand]

This sometimes works:

Remove the battery from the machine, wrap it in a plastic bag or cling film and place in freezer over the weekend (or longer). Take it out, let it dry/reach room temp and try to charge.

May be worth Googling for your battery - there are a few theories that the batteries have chips in them that count charge cycles and then disable the battery when it is "old enough". Maybe someone knows how to reset the chip on yours (if the theory is correct.

[SteveSxx]

Make sure that it is totally flat - charge it fully, repeat this a few times - this will have some effect
What type of battery is it ?
NiCad - chuck it away
NiMh - do the above
LiIon - should last "forever" - but depends on manufacturer

[laura_lou7]

It's a NimH, I've frozen it already, with no success, and repeatedly drained and recharged it. It's barely 2 years old, PC World tell me batteries are only expected to last 6 months.....

[SteveSxx]

They lie - if I had a problem with a battery after only 6 months - they would not get away with it
I would reckon on getting at least 1000 full to flat charges from a NiMh battery and perhaps half this from an LiIon - if treated properly (ie no leaving it plugged in whilst using it - if you want a rechargeable battery to last (any type) make sure that you follow the rules
Charge from Flat
then use on batteries til flat
repeat ad nuseam

[SteveSxx]

Wrong way round - read LiIon for NiMh and vice versa