Dell Outlet Laptop Battery Life?

Thanks, I needed that!

GK

 

Cheaper to buy 3 (or even 2 for that matter) batteries v. the Dell 3 year battery warranty? If so, impressively low prices!

 

OK, Dell.com E6410 wants an additional $149 for a 9-cell with 3 year warranty vs. the stock 6-cell. I don't see an option for a 6-cell with 3 year warranty, so not exactly apples to apples.

I bought a 6-cell for my E6400 on ebay in January for $64. I did not shop for a 9-cell, so again not exactly apples to apples.

Say you eek 18 months out of your batteries, then you're looking at paying Dell $149 for two 9-cells vs. the $64 for two 6-cells. And if you only want a 6-cell, the 9-cell with 3 year warranty is even less attractive.

Another consideration... a 9-cell may require less charging cycles in time, allowing it to last longer, increasing the likelihood of only one warranty claim in 36 months, which might explain why Dell doesn't offer a 6-cell 3 year warranty... not a profitable insurance model for them.

GK

 

^ Nice analysis.

I don't know the consensus about using off-brand/3rd party batteries off ebay for your laptop as long as latitudes are concerned, but the ones I used for HP averaged out at 1.5~1.75 years and cost about $50 as opposed to the $100 for the 6 cells. I was pretty satisfied with that cost/performance ratio given the HP ones lasted the same time period.

 

I would add that the E6400 / E6500 batteries are interchangeable with the E6410 and, I think, the E6510. While the batteries for the new models have a slightly higher capacity you may find the older batteries at a much more attractive price. I'm currently running my E6410 on an E6400 9 cell that I bought as a second battery for the E6400. This will postpone the time when the E6410's own battery starts getting serious usage.

John

 

What kind of degradation does the battery suffer if it's left unused though?

 

Not significant with recent batteries in my experience but my batteries gets some use at least every couple of months.

John

 

The $64 E6400 battery I bought off ebay is *identical* to the stock 6-cell Dell shipped. That was reassuring.

GK

 

Okay.

Nice to know cheaper, still legit options exist.

 

Wanted to chime in regarding the Latitude E4300 I bought six weeks ago from the outlet for $730. It was a scratch & dent. The small surface imperfections were well worth the money I saved (at least $500). FYI, I did buy the 3-year on-site warranty for $99.

However, the battery showed 27% wear-level out-of-the-box and has been stable since. Both RightMark and CPUID Hardware Monitor report the exact same value. Called tech support tonight and they were very helpful but didn't offer to replace the battery. They want me to update the BIOS (from A14 to A20). Is it possible that the utilities are reporting the wrong wear level? Is there a way to reset things?

I pressed and held the button on the battery. After illuminating all five lights to show a full charge, they go out and a moment later 2 of the 5 lights go on. I believe that indicates the battery is 2/5ths worn, correct?

I'm a little nervous that it'll be hard to convince Dell to just give me a new one. A "like-new" laptop shouldn't come with a battery that's already 27% worn. Is that a reasonable expectation?