T42 battery life

[Michau]

I purchased an "old stock" T42 laptop (means not used, but not new either - has been collecting dust in the warehouse for some time). The battery performance is really poor. With WiFi turned off, and screen dimmed, it lasts merely 2 hours. Is that normal with T42? I am thinking of purchasing a new battery, but only when I get some confirmation that it will last longer than that

[GomJabbar]

I do not find the T42 battery life to be all that great. However, to check your current battery's condition, left-click on the Green Battery Icon in the notification area, choose Battery Information > Battery Health... This is part of Battery Maximiser. If you do not see the Green Battery Icon, first make sure it is not hidden, then launch the Battery MaxiMiser Wizard (Start > All Programs > Access IBM > Battery MaxiMiser Wizard). On step 3, be sure and check to box to Show Battery MaxiMiser Gauge on Taskbar.

[dr_st]

Do what GomJabbar suggested - the battery may have lost some of its capacity.

When it comes to the expected battery life there can be great variability. Is it a 14" or 15" screen? Regular screen or IPS (Flexview)? Integrated or dedicated video? Does the CPU clock it down to 600MHz when idle?

[Michau]

My battery health shows cycle count of 359, capacity of 18.70 Wh, with design capacity 47.52 Wh. Does it mean that almost two-thirds of my battery is gone?

My model number is 2374WMG - how do I find out detailed technical specs of this model? Also, how do I know whether my processor goes down to 600MHz when idle?

[bill bolton]

Does it mean that almost two-thirds of my battery is gone?

It means you pretty much need a new battery.

That cycle count indicates the battery has had a lot of use. If the T42 battery had truly been "not used" much you should expect to have a very low cycle count.

Cheers,

Bill

[Michau]

OK, I see... do you think something like this would be good?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6600mAh-IBM-Think ... dZViewItem

[sktn77a]

Regarding your original post, the battery was not new and it was not "New Old Stock". It's a VERY USED battery! Are you sure the thinkpad was not used also? (Take a look at the space bar - if it has a shiny spot right of center, it's undoubtedly used also).

The battery on e-bay should be fine although the control/protection circuits in generic batteries are a bit of a crap shoot. Even Dell/SONY/IBM don't seem to be able to make non-combusting batteries!

[Michau]

The keyboard looks as new, and has no shiny spots on space bar or elsewhere... although you're right, that battery cycle count looks bad for me.

[dcouzin]

I have a battery in my T42 with cycle count 432 and capacity 24.23 (from original 47.52). So you can probably improve your old battery's capacity by fully discharging and fully charging it a few times.

I use my old beater battery at home, switching freely from charger to battery, and use newer batteries on the road. The $50 Ebay varieties can be good or bad. I had to return one which communicated incorrectly with the TP's power management program.