Configuring a T42 2378DXU with a high capacity battery probl

[ryan]

Is there a way to upgrade to the 9cell (High capacity) on this one? The tabook says the upgrade is optional but I can't find out how to do it in the configuration at IBM's site. Do I have to pay for the standard battery and a high capacity one?

[cooljw]

Call them (888-SHOP-IBM). Salespeople have much more flexibility than the IBM website. You'll find they can do lots of stuff.

[Ken]

i've had the same kind problem as you:
i wanted a T42, 2373-CVU which comes with a 6 cell but with a 9 cell instead.

When I spoke to Bill, he mentioned he would be able to swap a 6 cell for a 9 cell (and of course pay for the difference, $20). Hopefully he won't mind me mentioning that some users usually want a different battery. So someone probably ordered a thinkpad with a 9 cell but wanted a 6 cell.

Currently ordered through Bill (waiting for confirmation of payment).

Cannot wait till i get my first thinkpad!

Ken

[csv96]

If this is your first T4x series laptop, you may want to consider keeping the 6-cell and buying the 9-cell separately. Although the 9-cell has 50% longer battery life, it's a very awkward piece.

[ryan]

I've looked at the specs of the hi-cap battery vs the normal one. I need the extra battery life though as I plan to use this for long days without outlets at school, so I'm willing to take the awkward feeling hit. It's just the weight, right?

[ryan]

Bah. The salesman @ 1-888-SHOP-IBM wouldn't let me do it.

[Ken]

it's more than just the weight, from the pictures i've seen, the battery does stick out a little bit at the back (i don't know the exact figure, maybe someone who knows can tell us that).

i'd like to get both batteries but budget means i'll have to take the one better suited to me (the 9 cell).

K

[ryan]

Yeah. Looks to me like I'll have to get the ultrabay one (which, contrary to what the tabook suggests, is a 6cell just like the normal battery according to the second sales rep I spoke too -- called back just to see if I would get a more flexible one on the hi-cap battery issue).

[Nabeel]

You can't just order it seperately, ie just add the part number to your cart?

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... &storeId=1

Isn't that it? I guess you'd have to pay for both..

What's the difference between Li-Ion and Li-Polymer?

[ryan]

That's it, but I don't want to pay for 2 batteries

Here's a 3 year old article about Li-poly vs Li-ion:

Advantages
Very low profile — batteries that resemble the profile of a credit card are feasible.

Flexible form factor — manufacturers are not bound by standard cell formats. With high volume, any reasonable size can be produced economically.

Light weight – gelled rather than liquid electrolytes enable simplified packaging, in some cases eliminating the metal shell.

Improved safety — more resistant to overcharge; less chance for electrolyte leakage.

Limitations
Lower energy density and decreased cycle count compared to Li-ion — potential for improvements exist.

Expensive to manufacture — once mass-produced, the Li-ion polymer has the potential for lower cost. Reduced control circuit offsets higher manufacturing costs.

and

The Li-ion polymer offers little or no energy gain over conventional Li‑ion systems; neither do the slim profile Li-ion systems meet the cycle life of the rugged 18560 cell. The cost-to-energy ration increases as the cell size decreases in thickness. Cost increases in the multiple of three to four compared to the 18650 cell are common on exotic slim battery designs.

If space permitted, the 18650 cell offers the most economical choice, both in terms of energy per weight and longevity. Applications for this cell are mobile computing and video cameras. Slimming down means thinner batteries. This, in turn, will make the cost of the portable power more expensive.

http://www.buchmann.ca/Article6-Page1.asp

I guess it seems more feasible, knowing this, to me now that the ultrabay battery can last just as long as the normal one.

[tyipengr]

The Genuine IBM 9-Cell 08K8197 can be had from a certain reputable seller for $99 +free s/h. Beats IBM's price.

Then you can have two batteries, one extra for that inevitable battery failure later on.

[ryan]

How'd you know that? Do you know how much he wants for an ultrabay battery?

[tyipengr]

Actually, it is Newegg that carries the 9-cell for $99 +free s/h. I didn't want to advertise for them on this forum but if it saves you a few bucks then there you go. The only Thinkpad stuff they carry is that 9-cell, the value nylon case, and the port replicator 2.

I think the best option for you, since they aren't going to let you upgrade to the 9-cell, is to just buy a 9-cell. Although IBM batteries are alot better than Dells, all notebook batteries inevitably die an expensive death. Having two isn't a bad idea.

[cynic]

The only thing is that your 1 year warranty starts at the time of purchase, so you're running it down if you don't use it frequently.

[JohnV]

Ryan...I this is off topic from what you were asking, but you might consider the 2379-DXU instead. Since it is the same model as the 2378, but with a 3 year warranty.

John

[tyipengr]

Well, yeah. I know the battery's warranty is going to run out but batteries go bad primarily from use, not from age. I've never seen or heard of a notebook li-ion battery going bad before a year of use. I am sure someone has (probably a Dell) but I personally haven't.

[Leon]

no, no, no.... batteries DO go bad on the shelf!!!! it is NOT good to buy in advance.

[tyipengr]

no, no, no.... batteries DO go bad on the shelf!!!! it is NOT good to buy in advance.

How do you know this? Whenever I've read electrical specifications for Li-Ion batteries their lifetimes have been represented by the average number of charges, not by age.

[cynic]

no, no, no.... batteries DO go bad on the shelf!!!! it is NOT good to buy in advance.

How do you know this? Whenever I've read electrical specifications for Li-Ion batteries their lifetimes have been represented by the average number of charges, not by age.

All batteries go bad by age. The reason why battery lifetimes are given by charges is because the assumption is the battery is going to be in use, so numbe of charges is the limiting factor. However, storing batteries, their life will decrease. (Also note that when you store li-ion/li-poly batteries, you shouldn't store them at full capacity or at near discharge but about 80% charge-- though they will slowly discharge over time (another characteristic of all batteries))

[eliu]

If you let the battery chill on your shelf for an extended period of time, store it at 40% charge, at as low a temperature as possible.

Do NOT leave it sitting for "too" long. Depending on temperature, your battery could lose 10-20% charge after 1 year of storage (of course, reduced temperature = reduced loss). If you store it at 100% charge, you will lose a lot more capacity. I think it goes something like this...store at 40% charge for 1 year at 0C--lose 2%. Store at 40% charge for 1 year at 60C--lose 25%. Just to give you an idea.

I believe that the longer you leave it sitting, the faster it deteriorates. This is due to some chemical reactions that take place inside the battery--the contents begin to oxidize over time, making them unable to store charge.