X60s battery woes... (linux?)

[Atreides]

I've been running Arch linux on my X60s for 3 or 4 months now, most of that time being spent with the unit plugged into the wall. I've noticed an interesting phenomenon when I go to run on battery power now though. I'll outline what happened to me today as an example.

-unplug laptop, battery manager says 100%
-normal battery drainage speed here, youtube and such
-battery says 78% with 4 hours remaining now
-battery SUDDENLY drops to red, <10% remaining, plug in now to avoid losing work
-plug laptop back in, says it will take the full 5-6 hours to charge

I've noticed this isn't just a false warning either, it will actually shut down on me.

I don't recall having this issue when I ran XP on the machine. So is it possible the battery has lost this much strength over these few months (I recall it saying 11 hours left with wifi off, and actually going that full time before), or is something to fault with linux?

I'd much appreciate it if anyone has any insight on this subject, as it has seriously limited my mobility with what used to be an extremely mobile machine.

[force]

I don't know if you've solved it yet, but it could be the battery having a bad cell. I had a battery in a laptop that did this- ended up having to replace it.

You could look at the battery info (try /proc/acpi or the /sys equivalent; I don't remember exactly what they are) to see if it gives you any hints. If you have Windows installed, look at the Thinkpad Power Manager, as it can show you the battery info as well.

[bluesceada]

In linux it's always a good idea to also install the additional "tp-smapi" module (at least in debian available precompiled). This can give you more advanced informations about your battery. You can find them in /sys/devices/platform/smapi/ then (especially in the BAT0 subfolder ..). Other than that it can also limit your stop charge threshold and start charge threshold.

I think it is probably your battery failing, having the battery always 100% charged is killing Li-Ion cells over a longer time. For non-use a charge state of around 55% is the best (after being charged up to 55% and not after having it discharged to 55%).

For future use you could set your stop and start charge threshold to quite low values, if you know you won't be using the battery for a long time - or even better charge the battery to 55% and disconnect it from the Thinkpad, then keep it in a cold (not freezing!) and dry atmosphere until you need it again.
Other than that, I would always keep the stop charge threshold below maybe 97 percent, so you dont get to close to overcharging.

[Atreides]

Hey thanks for the replies, but it turns out it was a dying (and shortly after dead) battery which I have now replaced and is working fine.

I will try out some of those suggestions for increasing battery longevity though.

[Aristotle11]

Atreides,

I need a battery for my x61s. Where did you get your battery, and how much did it cost?

Thanks,
Aris

[Atreides]

Atreides,

I need a battery for my x61s. Where did you get your battery, and how much did it cost?

Thanks,
Aris

Aris-

Here is the exact battery I purchased:

http://cgi.ebay.com/8Cell-Battery-IBM-L ... 3efaadf4c9

Seems to be working well, and actually fits better than the original IBM battery. I can't comment so much on the battery life though, as since I bought the battery I've been using my laptop primarily as a linux sandbox. Hence I am usually either plugged in, or without the tools necessary to monitor battery life.

Hope that helps.

[John H]

I use my X60s mostly for coffee shop duty, so I get cheap Chinese 4cell batteries on eBay for $28. They last for about 1.5 hrs, so I usually have a 65watt brick handy someplace, or a 2nd battery (usually 8cell) handy. I also have a DC-DC adapter in the car. Usually, I just use the 4cell battery and recharge when I arrive back home.

Those cheap 4cell batteries are OK because they are good for 1.5 hrs. and they'll take the abuse for about 6 months.

The 8cell that I have is a real tiger: lasts a long time and doesn't deteriorate so fast over time, but I don't remember when or where I got it. It's just a little too bulky and heavy (I'm so old and feeble!) for regular use, though when I was younger (last year) and stronger I used it in coffee shop use with excellent results.

I've really gotten spoiled by the light weight and compact size of the X60s! Now, when I open my old T40 (former coffee shop machine) I feel like I'm opening some gigantic heavy suitcase full of rocks. I even use it inside the house and in the garden to read books. It's so darn useful that I don't mind $28 every few months for a battery.

[ThinkRob]

Just a heads up, but the outlet has (or had) some great deals on refurb. 6-cell OEM packs. I got one for forty-something, and it appears (to tp-smapi) to be new. I'm getting 5-6 hours pretty regularly for light-normal usage, and am quite happy with the purchase. The only thing that remains to be seen is how long the pack will last...

[Atreides]

I use my X60s mostly for coffee shop duty, so I get cheap Chinese 4cell batteries on eBay for $28. They last for about 1.5 hrs, so I usually have a 65watt brick handy someplace, or a 2nd battery (usually 8cell) handy. I also have a DC-DC adapter in the car. Usually, I just use the 4cell battery and recharge when I arrive back home.

Those cheap 4cell batteries are OK because they are good for 1.5 hrs. and they'll take the abuse for about 6 months.

The 8cell that I have is a real tiger: lasts a long time and doesn't deteriorate so fast over time, but I don't remember when or where I got it. It's just a little too bulky and heavy (I'm so old and feeble!) for regular use, though when I was younger (last year) and stronger I used it in coffee shop use with excellent results.

I've really gotten spoiled by the light weight and compact size of the X60s! Now, when I open my old T40 (former coffee shop machine) I feel like I'm opening some gigantic heavy suitcase full of rocks. I even use it inside the house and in the garden to read books. It's so darn useful that I don't mind $28 every few months for a battery.

I agree completely, most every laptop I use other than my X60s now feels clunky. I had considered going for the 4-cell as you did, but I actually like using the 8-cell as a handle of sorts. The aftermarket battery I got fits far tighter than the original IBM one, so it provides a surprising solid hand-hold.

ThinkRob - Thanks for the heads up, I may keep this in mind for the future. I've been quite satisfied with the battery I purchased from my ebay seller however. I had been having some issues with it, so I sent them a message not expecting much of a response. Instead I got a very prompt response; the guy apologized for any defect and said he was sending me out a new battery, as well as a return envelope for the old one.

Gotta love good customer support.