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    battery questions..

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by greg1, Oct 31, 2006.

  1. greg1

    greg1 Notebook Guru

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    Hi, with my HP notebook I got a 6 cell Lithium Ion battery.

    How will I know when I need to replace it? Will I get a low-battery message or something?

    When it's time for a new battery, if I want to upgrade from a 6 cell to a 8 or 10 cell do i just buy one and stick it in?

    Finally, is there a way I can charge my notebook pc in the car? Is there a way I can connect it to the cigarette lighter, or do I need a special adapter?

    Thanks, Greg
     
    greg1, Oct 31, 2006
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  2. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    1.) You'll probably want to replace your battery when it is holding less of a charge than you want it too. I realize that this is a very open-ended question, but if the computer usually sits on your desk, an hour unplugged may do it for you. If you are a frequent road warrior, you'll likely want to have a pretty well working battery. You can use various programs to judge battery health, HP probably has a utility included in their software suite.

    2.) Yes, you can upgrade to whatever capacity battery you want, as long as it is compatible with your notebook. Be aware that the larger capacity batteries may stick out the back or bulge out the bottom of your laptop.

    3.) Yep, you'll need an inverter probably. As long as it is rated to delivery the amount of power that your computer requires, there should be no issues.
     
    vespoli, Oct 31, 2006
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  3. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Hello,

    There is no messages. Only from experience. For example if you have 4 hrs of battery life normally (DEPENDING WHAT ARE YOU DOING), for example typeing up word document, 4 hrs. Then 1-2 years later of using the battery 3 hrs or 2 hrs.

    JC
     
    NetBrakr, Oct 31, 2006
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  4. Padmé

    Padmé NBR Super Pink Princess

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    vespoli. Can you tell me what programs judge battery health? I know I found one a long time ago for my HP notebook, but can't remember what it was. But I would like to check the battery in my Toshiba now. TIA
     
    Padmé, Oct 31, 2006
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  5. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    vespoli, Oct 31, 2006
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  6. Padmé

    Padmé NBR Super Pink Princess

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    Thanks. I'll try one of them.
     
    Padmé, Nov 1, 2006
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  7. vassil_98

    vassil_98 Notebook Deity

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    Depending on what HP laptop you have, you can try HP's battery utility.
    Recent HP laptops use only 6 and 12 cell batteries, so no 8 or 10 options available. I do not recommend any generic battery (there are plenty of those) since it's a waste of money.
    Search ebay for good deals on 12 or 6 cell batteries. HP won't give them cheap!
     
    vassil_98, Nov 2, 2006
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