X60 thinkpad and battery problems?

[Henry_Sculler]

Hi everyone -

A quick question regarding the x60 thinkpads. 2 years ago, my wife brought a new x60. After 1.5 years of easy usage, the battery died (ie stop holding its charge) and she was forced to buy a new battery.

Today, I saw a X60 for sale $350 with a dead battery.

My question: Is this a common problem with the x60 series?

I just gave my x31 away after years of service. And I'm still using my x32 thinkpads and never had battery problems. In fact, I've never had any problems with my x31/x32 thinkpads.

Thanks again.

2 x32, x60, T42 (just ordered from Brian today)

[treker]

it's not the 1.5 years of your wife's but my x61 is 13 months old and the battery is going strong. even my cheapo battery from hong kong purchased at the same time and alternately used is still holding a charge almost like new.

i think 18 months life is probably average after reading many posts on battery life in the x60 and t42 forums. of course, battery life is one of those "ymmv" issues. usage and charge variables make it 'your mileage may vary as in gas mileage'.

[Ken Fox]

My own experience with scads of different batteries on scads of different Thinkpads is that every battery is unique and some seem to last a long time and others barely make it through a year or 14 months.

Given my own experience I start to look carefully at the charge capacity when a battery gets to be 10 months old or so. If it is marginal or bad as a the year comes close to an end (and hence its warranty) I don't hesitate to call lenovo and request a replacement.

Since I have quite a few Thinkpads and quite a few batteries, I put a label on each one identifying which machine it came from and when the warranty is going to be up. If I'm not using a machine, I put the battery in the refrigerator to try to extend its lifespan.

Generally, these batteries decline gradually; it is unusual to have one showing good residual charge capacity, then markedly deteriorate 2 weeks later. So the trend is worth looking at closely, and if the battery is trending downwards rapidly after 11 months or so, think about calling for a replacement before your warranty is up.

ken