Battery life

[sherrardk]

How long (roughly) should a fully-charged laptop battery last? Thanks

[Vagrant]

How long's a piece of string - depends on the laptop, and what it's doing.

[sherrardk]

It used to last for ages - but now it is on its last legs after 30 minutes (it's about 18 months old).

[gingejbee]

...and how many cells the battery has....

[boxtops]

perhaps the battery is, as you say, on its last legs - and you might need a new one? Depends how much you use the lappy.

[gingejbee]

Also depends on how the battery has been treated in the last 18 months. Sounds like it could need replacement - but they're not cheap.

[sherrardk]

I use it on charge most of the time so I am not too worried about it - just curious really.

[Vagrant]

Make/model of laptop?

[sherrardk]

Hi Vagrant - it's a Compaq Presario CQ 60

[gingejbee]

I think that you're using it on charge most of the time is part of the problem. To keep Li-ion batteries in top condition they should be discharged and charged up occasionally. It's probably "forgotten" that it's a battery!

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that gingejbee - when I've finished with it tonight I'll let it run out and I'll charge it tomorrow.

[sherrardk]

Just trying to let the battery run out and it went down to 19% and then back up to 75% - what's that all about?

[gingejbee]

For best results, the discharge/recharge cycle should be performed occasionally FROM NEW. You may be able to improve the reduced capacity with a few more discharge/recharge cycles, but perhaps the damage can't be reversed. Have a try and good luck!