T41 plugged in but losing battery life

[thinkpad1]

My T41's battery life has slipped to 96% even though I've had it plugged in. I checked the program, 'MaxiMiser Gauge' in Windows XP and in the Battery Health category, the state of health is at yellow status. Whatever that means... I'm not sure whether this is an accurate detection or not, though. Apparently, 'yellow' illustrates that the battery is deteriorating or something.

Maybe it's time for a new battery? Can I get a 9 cell for this series? It would stick out the back, right? Is it okay to deal with? I often have my Thinkpad plugged in but I would welcome a potential increase in battery life. It is a significant benefit, right?

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone uses that utility and can comment.

[kiwipad]

I think the default setting to start charging is 96% - the battery isn't charging all the time it's plugged in (unless you set it to be). I suppose the question is how quickly it falls back to 96% from fully charged to determine if the battery is ok.

And the 9-cells only add about a 1/2 inch out the back

IG

[thinkpad1]

I think the default setting to start charging is 96% - the battery isn't charging all the time it's plugged in (unless you set it to be). I suppose the question is how quickly it falls back to 96% from fully charged to determine if the battery is ok.

And the 9-cells only add about a 1/2 inch out the back

IG

Oh, thanks. That's good to know if I need to buy a new battery. At the very least, it would provide me with a spare.

I didn't know that about the default setting. I guess I don't remember seeing 96%.

If it helps, here is further info from 'Battery Information - Status Detail:'
Status: No Activity
Remaining Percentage: 96%
Remaining Time - -
Remaining Capacity: 29.01 Wh
Full Charge Capacity: 30.31 Wh *
Temp: 24 C
Cycle Count: 39 *

[jdhurst]

If the battery is the original battery, it probably needs replacing (which is why the status is yellow).

9-cell batteries stick out the back, are a general pain, and provide much better battery life. I have a 9-cell on my Vista laptop and deal with the indignaties. I wish it could be 9-cell performance in a 4-cell package. Oh well. ... JDH

[sjthinkpader]

Although the newer Power Manager doesn't say it support T41, it will work nevertheless. It has better battery management functions than Battery Maximizer. I would install it and run the gauge reset function.

[sktn77a]

30Whr remaining is still pretty good (over half the original capacity of the battery). I haven't been able to figure out precisely just what the red, yellow and green colors mean. I'd be careful with the battery "reconditioning" software - I used it a couple of times on a couple of my older batteries and it ended up reducing their remaining capacity by 25-50%! Not sure what this means (I understand that the software fully discharges and charges the battery 3 times).