Is my battery defective?

I got my E1505 with a 9-cell battery in early July 06, and checking with mobile meter, I see that the life of my battery has already decreased by over 17%. Is that really normal wear for a 4 month old battery?

If it's not, which I can't imagine it is, would Dell replace the battery?

 

Depends on how you use your battery. Some people abuse them and it results in poor battery life after a number of months. However, 17% does seem to be a little high. Do you keep the battery on AC all the time, and do you use the laptop in above average temperatures?

 

Does your battery have the feature where it's got a button you can press with some led lights to check the battery level?

If so, is it producing an unusual pattern? (e.g. alternating lights on and off)

 

Also, if I recall correctly, those meters are an estimation. One day it can read 4%, the next 10%, the next 3%. Don't read too much into it unless you are seeing an actuall drop in usage time.

 

I don't abuse my battery Usually it's plugged in in the evening and night with my laptop cooler keeping it at a nice temperature. And then during the day I carry it in my REI sleeve in my backpack and use it in the library between classes. I don't think that's an unreasonable way to use the battery!
And the battery button lights up properly.

I spose I'll get ahold of Dell later tonite to see if they have anything to suggest.

 

If thats the way you use your battery, then it really shouldn't be at 17% wear. Its a good thing you have a notebook cololer, because that always helps you keep it nice and cool. Before calling Dell, try and see if you have actually lost any performance from the battery. Like gohanssjn said, meters can be quite innaccurate. Hope this helps.

 

I've checked Mobile Meter over the past week and compared it to NHC and they both say 17% decrease.

It took about 30-45 minutes on Dell Chat, but I'm getting a replacement battery! Technically everything was working alright, but since I use the laptop every day on battery-only power, my representative said she'd replace it. It should be here tomorrow. Hurrah!