dell battery,Dell laptop battery FAQ

Q:    How long does a Dell laptop battery last? When should I consider replacing mine?
A:    All rechargeable batteries wear out with time and usage. As time and cumulative use increase, the performance will degrade. For the typical user, noticeable reduction in run time generally will be observed after 18 to 24 months. For a power user, reduction in run time generally may be experienced prior to 18 months. We recommend buying a new Dell laptop battery when the run time does not meet your needs.
Q:    How should I choose between two batteries with different Watt hours (Whr) available on one system?
A:    Higher Watt hours (Whr) on the same system under the same operating conditions will generally deliver longer battery run time. For example, if you compare the same system, running the same applications, the 53Whr battery would provide approximately 65% more run time than the 32Whr battery.
Q:How do I charge my Dell battery?
A:    The battery charges in the laptop when the laptop is connected to an AC power source via the AC adapter.
Q:    How long does it take for a Dell laptop battery to fully recharge?
The charge time varies depending on the system. If the system supports ExpressChargeTM , the battery typically will have greater than 80% charge after about an hour of charging, and fully charge in about 2 hours with the system off.
Q:    Should I totally discharge, then recharge my Dell laptop battery occasionally to make it last longer?
A:    No, discharging and charging does not increase the life of a Lithium Ion technology battery.
Q:    Can a Dell laptop battery be "overcharged"?
A:    No, the battery is designed to stop using the charger when it reaches full charge.
Q:    When docked or AC adapter is plugged into a wall outlet, am I using my battery charge?
A:    No.
Q:    Will Dell laptops accept non-Dell batteries?
A:    Dell has a rigorous qualification process by which all Dell batteries are validated to ensure proper function, performance and safety. Some non-Dell batteries are available in the market with claims of compatibility with Dell systems. Dell cannot verify these claims, nor the safety of using them in a Dell system. Dell strongly encourages our customers to use only Dell laptop batteries advertised as appropriate for their laptop model. Only Dell laptop batteries come with a 1-year warranty, are engineered for optimal safety and performance for Dell systems, and are supported by Dell technical support for the length of the warranty period.