Model Railway Forum

Is it worth re-placing a old laptop battery ? or just get a new laptop, your thoughts please.

Depends on the age of the laptop Brian. Newer laptops, PCs, tablets etc will come with more up to date hardware which generally means a faster cpu and memory, (though you would need to check the specs for this). If the laptop you already use meets all your requirements including speed and storage then by all means replace the battery. I recently bought a new battery for an old (at least 5 years) laptop for my daughter to use and it works fine. Another question to ask yourself is whether you need the portability of a laptop or can you always use it when a mains socket is close by?

Regarding a replacement battery I personally would not get one from the brand manufacturer as they will be top price. There are plenty of good after market suppliers of clone batteries that work just as well, just search for your laptop model or the battery number on somewhere like Amazon to get an idea of whats available.

Thanks Terry, similar thoughts to mine.

I replaced the battery in my previous laptop. Bought a compatible battery on eBay few pounds and it outlasted the laptop.

If the laptop is working ok and you're happy with it then it makes sense to get a new battery. If there are any problems with the lappy, get a new one.

I never un-plug mine from the mains - so it's always fully charged. I suppose it depends on whether you take your laptop everywhere - I don't.

I echo all the above. Laptops should outlast the battery (they generally always go first anyway) and if your happy with the laptop then just replace it. Just be cautious who you purchase one from. Cheap doesn't always mean safe. Someone at work replaced theirs with a cheap (very cheap!) replacement and the laptop promptly burst into flames after a few weeks.

bulleidboy wrote: ↑Fri Aug 16, 2019 6:15 pm I never un-plug mine from the mains - so it's always fully charged. I suppose it depends on whether you take your laptop everywhere - I don't.

That's the problem. Batteries should NOT be left permanently on charge. They are designed to be charged, discharged then recharged again. Same with mobile phones etc

I agree. I won’t charge my phone or iPad unless I am there at the time. Definitely not overnight.

teedoubleudee wrote: ↑Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:59 pm

bulleidboy wrote: ↑Fri Aug 16, 2019 6:15 pm I never un-plug mine from the mains - so it's always fully charged. I suppose it depends on whether you take your laptop everywhere - I don't.

That's the problem. Batteries should NOT be left permanently on charge. They are designed to be charged, discharged then recharged again. Same with mobile phones etc

Good point TWD, that is a concern, i think i will get a new battery ordered.