[noreaster57]

my toshiba 115 a laptop battery has never lasted more than 40 min even though ive rarely used it why is that....any recourse?

[etaf]

The laptop on my other half laptop lasts just under an hour
How old is the laptop ?
battery life was very poor on older machines

[noreaster57]

3yrs old

[etaf]

well thats the life approx 1hr I got out of two toshiba laptops about that time ago...

you could try calibrating the battery - should be available in control panel - power options I think
OR
a program called
Toshiba Power Saver tool

[noreaster57]

thanks much appreciated

[DoubleHelix]

Rechargeable batteries lose capacity just sitting on a shelf. Time degrades them as well as use.

[robinofloxley]

Ni-Cds have terrible lifetime, but do pump out a nice 1.6V per cell, and dont die instantly

Li-ion finally dropping to realistic prices in UK. Still expensive compared to US.

My new cordless 18V Li-ion hammer drill (not Bosch, Makita or deWalt sadly)
recommends run it down, as per Nicads, (although I dont necessarily believe them)...use and charge every 3 months. At worst charge once per year!!!???

Have had 2 Li-Ion 3.6V hand held screwdrivers/drill/drivers (Bosch and Ryobi) for 4 yrs now. Used intermittently, then all hands to the pumps for a couple of days on whatever project I am working on.

No sign of battery degradation. Quick charge (40-60mins) when they do die.

[robinofloxley]

Sorry if you didnt get my point. Battery technology has moved on a lot in last few years

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by robinofloxley

Sorry if you didnt get my point. Battery technology has moved on a lot in last few years

FYI, that laptop has a LI-Ion battery.

[robinofloxley]

Oops assumed if it was a few years old it wouldnt, didnt check.

So, either I have been luck with my LI-ions and OP has been unlucky.

Or mine will die sometime without warning.

Also have a new laptop from Nov 2009. Will post again in a year how its batteries are getting on.

FYI, it is on the charger more or less 24/7 at full charge. Only taken off for occasional excursions to the kitchen or the dining room.

(Compaq Presario CQ61)