using thinkpad without battery pack

[fstenemo]

I just bought my first thinkpad (R52) and so far I am very happy with it.

I mainly use my laptop at home and I do not need to use the battery that often. As I have understood it you may prolong battery life by storing it in a cool (but not freezing) place at about 40% of full charge.

However, are there any problems with running the laptop without the battery pack plugged in? If so, is anyone aware of any "dummy" batteries that could be used, i.e. just some plastic thingy that could be placed where the battery usually is to avoid potential problems with dust etc..

/Fredrik

[GomJabbar]

You shouldn't have any problem running without a battery, but there are a couple of things to consider:

(1) If the AC power drops out, you may lose what you are working on in the laptop.

(2) Windows will shut down abnormally, which sometimes corrupts important operating system or program files.

(3) The battery pack probably helps condition the AC power, protecting the hardware to a degree.

[pphilipko]

I never connect my battery pack when on AC, No harm has been done so far!