Dummy battery for HEL80?

I usually operate my laptops from ac power. I charge/discharge the batteries to the recommended 40% and then store them in a cool place for use when needed. This allows the batteries to remain usable for a much longer period of time than if they were left in the laptop while it is plugged in. A few years back I had a Dell Latitude that I purchased a dummy battery/cover for. It fit into the battery slot and allowed me to store the actual battery for use later. Does anyone know is such a part is available for the HEL80? I can run it without the battery but by doing so some electrical contacts are left exposed in the back. Obviously this could result in possible damage to the laptop. Anyone know where I can find a dummy battery/cover for this unit?

 

Maybe you could call one of the many friendly vendors (depending on where you are geographically, I'd recommend PowerNoteBooks), and ask them if there is one.

 

If nothing else, I'd suggest painter's tape over the shiny bits. I wouldn't worry about the contacts being exposed though. Unless they can get easily snagged and broken, or you have a habit of putting the laptop near things that could short the connection while you're still plugged into wall power (are you really moving it much when you don't have the battery in, or putting stuff like that around it? Slide paperclips under your laptop often?) there's no real reason for a dust cover. Just clean it off with a soft cloth before you put the battery back in, and you should be set.

 

Under most circumstances I would agree with you, but I probably should have mentioned that I have a 3 year old and a five year old that I swear would break an anvil if they got hold of it If I can find an old dead battery I will probably try to gut it and make a dummy. So far no luck finding one ready made.

 

I had some dogs once. That's like having young children. They killed my very first laptop. BEWARE~~

 

Give them an old model M keyboard hooked up to a bargain-bin computer. They'll have fun with "their" computer, and you won't have to worry about yours Wish I had another suggestion for the battery in the meantime, though

 

I seriously doubt that the HEL80 has its own dummy battery, I'm afraid. Definitely worth contacting a reseller to see what they say though.

Perhaps you could just fashion one with cardboard and tape if you're really concerned about it. Might not look very good, but it would get the job done.

And make sure you don't block that vent in the back though...whatever you do.

 

I was thinking you could get a cheap block of crafting foam from a hobby store and then craft your own make-shift form fitting battery for basically nothing. Also wouldn't add much of anything to the weight. Just get one of the more stiff materials so it stays in place.

 

Heck, contact Powernotebooks or xoticpc, see if they ever get dead batteries or anything that they could sell you cheap or something.

 

Yeah. I like pyro and Pita's suggestions .

 

Thanks for all the input. I think I will try to find a dead battery. Once I gut it the weight should be close to nothing, and the fit will be perfect.