Thinkpad Newbie just bought used X21 - problems with battery

[chanbru]

Hi everybody,
I am new to the thinkpad and I already love it. However, there is a problem: My battery health indicates GREEN and 100% charged. Then, within 15 min it drops to 4% and needs the AC adaptor plugged on. First I thought it was a problem with the Batt, but the X21 utility indicates it is OK (still green). What should I do to get rid of this annoyance? I don't have money for a new batt and even though I did, I would not know if the problem is in the system, the power conector where the batt plugs to the X21 or the batt itself.
Somebody Help me pls!! []

[hishamh]

How old is that battery? Most LIon batteries have usable lives of less than 3-4 years. Sounds like yours is about done.

[chanbru]

I just bought it 2 days ago. I paid $260 for it. It came with P-III 700Mhz, 380 MB and 40 HDD. I was like a good deal, specially when the batt color was green. However, it seems I was unaware of its conditions.

Are you saying that the problem may be the batt? Even though the light is green? OMG!!!
I saw a web of a place near my city sellling the replac batt for U$65. I just don't want to put more money on it.
Any advice? cheers!!!

[hishamh]

It's quite likely the battery - they don't last forever you know. In heavy use, some might not last even a year. The color of the battery gauge has got nothing to do with the actual charge - it just says the battery is at max charge, but says nothing of how much that charge actually is. With current battery technologies (LiIon), the maximum charge is sustained for most of the battery's life cycle, but drops very rapidly near the end.

I don't see much alternative to getting a new battery - there are refurbsihing services for old batteries, but I believe they only work with batteries with some life left to them. Yours sounds completely dead. By all means, test out a new battery first if possible before you buy. I could be wrong

[tfflivemb2]

Under the battery health, there are instructions/tips on how to perform a deep cycle of the battery to improve the life of the battery. You might want to try that process and see if it will help.

[chanbru]

Hey you guys!!!!
Thanks you so much for the advices! I will buy a new battery very soon.
I saw some at ebay for around $50 to $60, shp & handling included. At Lenovo and other online sellers the price is absurdly high - $150 and over.

once again, thanks a lot!!!!!!!!

[chanbru]

PS: I just got scolded by my girlfriend... ehehehehe!!!!

She said that I paid $260 for the old X21 and now I also have to buy a new batt. According to her, I could've bought a brand new laptop at Bestbuy for $499. OMG !!!!
LOL

[seneca]

Yeah, you would... But then again... It [bestbuy] wouldn't have been a thinkpad now would it? Thinkpads are tough laptops and last a long time. Even if you spend a little extra on a new battery, it'll be worth it...

btw, I'd recommend you buying an original ibm/lenovo battery because of quality concerns ( http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=20848 ).

[chanbru]

Once again, thank you guys!!!!