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HELP
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Additional Information |
FAQs |
Battery Tips
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Help
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Finding the Right Item
Finding the right product online is easy on batteryproducts.net.
We provide two convenient methods to quickly locate the correct battery,
adapter or charger: QuickFind and Browse:
QuickFind
Our search engine lets customers search by any combination of manufacturer name,
model or product part number. Our powerful search engine will give a list of all
the matches from our extensive product database.
Here are some QuickFind examples:
Searching By Manufacturer Name:
Type "Sony" to show all Sony product lines that we provide power products for.
Select Laptops and select a specific device from the list (for example VAIO PCG-505)
to show all peripherals (batteries, adapters, chargers, etc.)
for that device. Any portion of the name can be typed (for example just "SON")
to get the same result.
Searching By Model Name:
Type "ThinkPad 560" to see all peripherals available for the Thinkpad 560 laptop.
Any part of the model name such as "560" or "Think" can be typed for a more broad search.
Entering "560" will find the IBM Thinkpad or any other device that has "560" as part
of its model name. Entering "Think" will find all Thinkpad models and any other
device that has "Think" as part of its name.
Searching By Part Number:
Entering the IBM battery part number "B-5613" will display that specific IBM battery.
Any available part numbers can be used to search: battery part numbers, adapter part
numbers, charger part numbers, even the device part number. Any portion of the part
number (for example just "5613") can be entered for a more broad search.
Browse
Our Browse capabilities let customers search for the power product by the device type.
Select the type of device to purchase accessories for then choose a manufacturer name
from the corresponding list. A list of models associated with the manufacturer name
will appear. Choose the model and our search engine will display all of the products
that we carry for that device.
For Example:
Select "Laptops" from the Browse list. A list of laptop manufacturers will appear.
Select a laptop manufacturer (IBM, for example). A list of models will appear.
From the list of models select the Thinkpad 560. A list of peripherals for the Thinkpad 560 will appear (batteries, adapters, chargers, etc.). Select the appropriate item from the list and the product information will appear.
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Placing an Order
Ordering online at batteryproducts.net is fast and easy.
Our system will lead customers through the ordering process.
Once the item has been located, follow the steps below:
To buy a battery, adapter, charger or other item, click the "buy product" button
found next to the item.
If you encounter any problems with placing an order, shipping or delivery,
please let us know. We will do our best to remedy the problem quickly
and efficiently.
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Additional Information
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Battery Care Instructions
Battery Do's:
A new battery comes in a discharged condition and must be charged before use (refer to the device's manual for charging instructions). Upon initial use (or after a prolonged storage period) the battery may require three to four charge/discharge cycles before achieving maximum capacity.
When charging the battery for the first time the device may indicate that charging is complete after just 10 or 15 minutes. This is a normal phenomenon with rechargeable batteries. Remove the battery from the device, reinsert it and repeat the charging procedure.
It is important to condition (fully discharge and then fully charge) the battery every two to three weeks. Failure to do so may significantly shorten the battery's life (this does not apply to Li-Ion batteries, which do not require conditioning). To discharge, simply run the device under the battery's power until it shuts down or until you get a low battery warning. Then recharge the battery as instructed in the device’s user's manual.
If the battery will not be in use for a month or longer, it is recommended that it be removed from the device and stored in a cool, dry, clean place.
It is normal for a battery to become warm to the touch during charging and discharging.
A charged battery will eventually lose its charge if unused. It may therefore be necessary to recharge the battery after a storage period.
The milliamp-hour (mAh) rating of the Hi-Capacity battery will often be higher than the one on the original battery. A higher mAh rating is indicative of a longer lasting (higher capacity) battery and will not cause any incompatibilities. A Hi-Capacity battery will, in most cases, outperform the original by 30% to 50%.
Actual battery run-time depends upon the power demands made by the equipment. In the case of notebook computers, screen brightness, the use of the CPU, the hard drive, and other peripherals results in an additional drain upon the battery, effectively reducing the battery's run-time. The total run-time of the battery is also heavily dependent upon the design of the equipment. To ensure maximum performance of the battery, optimize the computer's power management features. Refer to the computer manual for further instructions.
Battery Don'ts:
Do not short-circuit. A short-circuit may cause severe damage to the battery.
Do not drop, hit or otherwise abuse the battery as this may result in the exposure of the cell contents, which are corrosive.
Do not expose the battery to moisture or rain.
Keep battery away from fire or other sources of extreme heat. Do not incinerate. Exposure of battery to extreme heat may result in an explosion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Customer Service
How do I replace my PDA battery?
Instructions on how to replace your PDA battery should be included with your Hi-Capacity battery or in your device’s user manual. If you have additional questions please check the Product Manuals page or call (65) 6892-7666 for more information.
Why is my battery not being recognized or charged by the notebook?
On some notebooks the battery may need to be 'calibrated'. This function is not available on all notebooks. When available it can be started either by going into the BIOS setup at startup or by selecting the function using a software utility provided in the manufacturer. Please consult your product manual to see if this feature needs to be used when installing a new battery.
Will a Hi-Capacity battery, adapter or charger void my manufacturer’s warranty for my device?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer may not require the use of any brand of replacement part (including their own brand) unless the manufacturer provides the item free of charge under the terms of the warranty.
What is your product warranty?
All Hi-Capacity products carry a full one-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship. Non-defective products may be returned within 90 days of purchase and are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Logon to your account or call customer service to receive a Return Merchandise Authorization prior to sending in any products for replacement or return.
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Voltage, Amperage and Chemistry
Does the voltage of the Hi-Capacity battery need to match the voltage of the original battery?
While the voltage of the Hi-Capacity battery may not be identical to the original battery, the voltages must be within a reasonable range. In order to rate the voltage of a single cell, a voltage value between 3.0 and 4.2 must be picked. The voltage that is picked is called the "nominal" voltage, which means that it is for naming purposes only, whereas the actual voltage of the cell depends on the state of charge. Historically some manufacturers picked 3.6V while others picked 3.7V to name the cell. The functionality and performance of either cell is identical and cannot be differentiated by the device.
The explanation above applies to a single Li-Ion cell in series. When a battery has two or more Li-Ion cells in series, the voltage is multiplied by the number of cells in series, as in the table below:
Number of Li-Ion cells in series Nominal voltage Type of device
1 3.6V or 3.7V Cell phones and Digital cameras
2 7.2V or 7.4V Digital cameras and camcorders
3 10.8V or 11.1V Laptops
4 14.4V or 14.8V Laptops
Thus,
A Li-Ion battery labeled 3.6V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 3.7V.
A Li-Ion battery labeled 7.2V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 7.4V.
A Li-Ion battery labeled 10.8V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 11.1V.
A Li-Ion battery labeled 14.4V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 14.8V.
What is mAh? How do I convert Ah to mAh?
The capacity of a battery is rated in mAh or Ah. If the capacity of a battery is 4400mAh (Milli-Amp Hour), it means that this battery can deliver 4400 mA (Milli-Amps) of current for 1 hour at the rated voltage. The actual amount of current a notebook draws depends on the usage. Things like LCD brightness, processor usage and hard drive usage affects the amount of current required. Please read the section on Run Time for more information.
To convert mAh to Ah, divide by 1000. To convert Ah to mAh, multiply by 1000.
4400mAh = 4.4Ah
What are the different types of rechargeable battery chemistries/technologies?
Batteries in portable consumer devices (laptops, camcorders, cellular phones, etc.) are principally made using either Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) or Li-Ion Polymer (Li-Polymer) chemistries. Each type of rechargeable battery chemistry has its own unique characteristics:
NiCad and NiMH:
The main difference between the two is the fact that NiMH batteries (the newer of the two technologies) offers higher energy densities than NiCad batteries. In other words, pound for pound, NiMH delivers approximately twice the capacity of its NiCad counterpart. What this translates into is increased run-time from the battery with no additional bulk to weigh down your portable device. NiMH also offers another major advantage: NiMH batteries are less prone to develop the memory effect and thus require less maintenance and care. NiMH batteries are also more environmentally friendly than their NiCad counterparts since they do not contain heavy metals (which present serious landfill problems).
Li-Ion:
Li-Ion has quickly become the emerging standard for portable power in consumer devices. Li-Ion batteries produce the same energy as NiMH batteries but weigh approximately 35% less. This is crucial in applications such as camcorders or laptops where the battery makes up a significant portion of the device's weight. Another reason Li-Ion batteries have become so popular is that they do not suffer from the memory effect at all. They are also environmentally friendly because they don't contain toxic materials such as Cadmium or Mercury.
Li-Ion Polymer (Li-Polymer):
This is a newer type of Li-Ion battery. It uses a solid polymer electrolyte that looks like a plastic film. It contains a gelled electrolyte which is less susceptible to leaking and uses a bag type enclosure rather than a rigid metal case. This leads to a lighter and thinner battery and it is considered safer because the gelled electrolyte is less likely to leak. It is also more resistant to overcharge.
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Run Time
What is the run time of the battery?
Battery run-time on a laptop is difficult to determine. Actual battery run time depends upon the power demands made by the equipment. The use of the screen, the hard drive and other accessories results in an additional drain upon the battery, effectively reducing its run time. The total run-time of the battery is also dependent upon the design of the equipment. Generally, a new Hi-Capacity battery will run 30% to 50% longer than the old battery did when it was new.
Why does my battery run for only a short period of time?
Most rechargeable batteries are shipped with a partial charge. You must charge the battery completely to get more run time. When the battery is new it may need to charged and discharged a couple of times to get the benefit of the full capacity. On some devices the battery may need to be 'calibrated'. This function is not available on all devices. When available, on some laptops it can be started either by going into the BIOS setup at startup or by selecting the function using a software utility provided in the manufacturer. Please consult your product manual to see if this feature needs to be used when installing a new battery.
Why won’t my new battery run for a very long period?
NiCad or NiMH batteries will need to be cycled completely to get the benefit of the full capacity. To cycle a battery completely charge it until the device indicates that it is completely charged and then use it until the device shuts off. The battery is now fully discharged. Recharge the battery again until it is fully charged. Repeat this charge and discharge process at least two to three times. During the life of your NiCad or NiMH battery it is important to run this complete discharge and charge cycle every three to four weeks to maintain the fullest possible capacity. It is also recommended that you replace your battery in one to three years.
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Computer Batteries
What are main batteries?
The main battery (also called the power battery) is the battery pack which allows a laptop to operate independently of an AC power source. These rechargeable batteries are designed to operate the computer for a certain amount of time, generally 1 to 4 hours.
What are CMOS or clock batteries?
CMOS & Clock Backup batteries perform the same function in desktop and laptop computers: when the computer is turned off, the battery maintains the time and date, thus insuring their accuracy when the system is once again restarted. More importantly, the battery saves the computers BIOS setup configuration, which allows the system to efficiently reboot once it is restarted. The computer knows what type of hard drive it is dealing with, etc. Not surprisingly, these batteries are known alternatively as CMOS batteries, Real Time Clock (RTC) batteries, or simply internal batteries.
The most common CMOS battery chemistries are Lithium, Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) and alkaline. They are usually somewhere in the 3 to 7.2 volt range and either solder onto the motherboard or plug in via a snap-in connector (depending upon the computer manufacturer’s design).
In most cases, replacement of the CMOS battery is an easy task. It is simply a matter of locating the battery on the computer's motherboard, removing it and plugging in a new one. As a rule, internal batteries should be replaced by the same type of battery which was originally used in the machine or according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The major exception to this rule are older PCs which were manufactured with a NiCad battery soldered onto the motherboard. These computers usually have a three or four pin male plug, with two of the pins connected via a jumper (this is generally found in the same area of the motherboard as the original battery). This plug gives you the option of leaving the soldered battery in place and replacing it with a plug-in lithium or alkaline battery. Removing the jumper tells the computer to ignore the soldered battery and to look to the pins for its power source. If the motherboard has this provision, you can install a standard PC plug-in battery instead of removing the soldered battery and re-soldering a new one (the standard PC plug-in battery is Battery Products part number B-220 (lithium) or B-116 (alkaline). These batteries are interchangeable). A word of warning: some computers have 4 pins on the motherboard, whereas today's plug-in batteries come with a 3 pin connector (one of the pinholes is closed in order to prevent the user from inadvertently plugging the battery in with reversed polarity). If this is the case, you should clip the pin from the motherboard that corresponds to the sealed pinhole on the battery plug. That pin is nonfunctional and by clipping it you ensure that future batteries will not be installed on the motherboard with reversed polarity.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
NiCad batteries are rechargeable, whereas Lithium and alkaline batteries are NOT. Therefore, Lithium and alkaline batteries must be replaced by equivalent batteries of the same type. Attempting to replace these non-rechargeable batteries with a NiCad will result in a nonfunctional battery because the computer lacks the proper charging circuitry to charge the NiCad battery.
If a motherboard lacks the above-discussed male pins for an external battery, the NiCad battery MUST be unsoldered and replaced by a NiCad battery ONLY. Attempting to use an alkaline or lithium battery in place of NiCad on such a board could be hazardous. These batteries are not designed to be recharged, and an attempt to do so may cause the battery to explode.
CMOS batteries generally last for two to three years, although some (especially the lithium type) have been known to last much longer. Ironically, the less the computer is used the faster the CMOS battery will run out. This is because when the computer is turned off the battery begins to function. It is recommended to replace the CMOS battery approximately once every two years or when servicing the computer. If the computer has been idle for an extended length of time it is a good idea to change the battery. Changing the battery is a relatively easy and inexpensive task, especially (as were sure many of you out there know) when compared to trying to reboot and configure a computer which has lost its BIOS settings.
What are RAM or Resume batteries?
Some laptops are designed with a dedicated battery for backing up RAM (random access memory) functions when the machine temporarily loses power from the main battery. This feature allows users to change the main battery pack without losing the current applications and settings residing in memory. This is called a "battery hot swap" - switching the main battery pack without having to turn off the computer.
Most RAM batteries are rechargeable NiCad or NiMH and will last around 2-3 years. It is recommended that you replace your notebook's RAM battery when replacing the CMOS battery. These types of batteries are alternately known as bridge batteries, RAM batteries, auxiliary batteries or resume batteries.
What is a "smart" battery?
Smart batteries have internal circuit boards with smart chips which allow them to communicate with the laptop and monitor battery performance, output voltage and temperature. Smart batteries will generally run 15% longer due to their increased efficiency and also give the computer much more accurate "fuel gauge" capabilities to determine how much battery run time is left before the next recharge is required.
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Battery Tips
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What is the "Memory Effect"?
NiCad batteries, and to a lesser extent NiMH batteries, suffer from what's called the "memory effect". What this means is that if a battery is repeatedly only partially discharged before recharging, the battery "forgets" that it has the capacity to further discharge all the way down. To illustrate: If you, on a regular basis, fully charge your battery and then use only 50% of its capacity before the next recharge, eventually the battery will become unaware of its extra 50% capacity which has remained unused. The battery will remain functional, but only at 50% of its original capacity. The way to avoid the dreaded "memory effect" is to fully cycle (fully charge and then fully discharge) the battery at least once every two to three weeks. Batteries can be discharged by unplugging the device's AC adapter and letting the device run on the battery until it ceases to function. This will insure your battery remains healthy.
Is it Possible to Upgrade the Device's Battery to a Newer Chemistry?
NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion are all fundamentally different from one another and cannot be substituted unless the device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one type of rechargeable battery technology. The difference between them stems from the fact that each type requires a different charging pattern to be properly recharged. Therefore, the portable device's internal charger must be properly configured to handle a given type of rechargeable battery.
Refer to the owners manual to find out which rechargeable battery types the particular device supports or use our QuickFind search engine to find the device in our database. It will automatically list all of the battery types supported by the machine.
The New Battery Isn't Charging. What's the Deal?
New batteries are shipped in a discharged condition and must be charged before use. We generally recommend an overnight charge (approximately twelve hours). Refer to the user's manual for charging instructions. Rechargeable batteries should be cycled - fully charged and then fully discharged - two to four times initially to allow them to reach their full capacity. (Note: it is normal for a battery to become warm to the touch during charging and discharging).New batteries are hard for the device to charge; they have never been fully charged and are therefore "unformed". Sometimes the device's charger will stop charging a new battery before it is fully charged. If this happens, remove the battery from the device and then reinsert it. The charge cycle should begin again. This may happen several times during the first battery charge. Don't worry; it's perfectly normal.
How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
There are several steps you can take to insure that you get maximum performance from the battery:
Break In New Batteries
New batteries come in a discharged condition and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge and discharge the new battery two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity.
Prevent the Memory Effect
Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect.
Keep the Batteries Clean
It's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the portable device.
Exercise the Battery
Do not leave the battery dormant for long periods of time. We recommend using the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If a battery has not been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery break in procedure described above.
Battery Storage
If you don't plan on using the battery for a month or more, we recommend storing it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to break them in before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months.
For Notebook Users
To get maximum performance from the battery, fully optimize the notebooks power management features prior to use. Power management is a trade off: better power conservation in exchange for lesser computer performance. The power management system conserves battery power by setting the processor to run at a slower speed, dimming the screen, spinning down the hard drive when it's not in use and causing the machine to go into sleep mode when inactive. The notebook users guide will provide information relating to specific power management features.
How Are Batteries Rated? What Are Volts and Amps?
There are two ratings on every battery: volts and amp-hours (Ah). The Ah rating may also be given as milliamp-hours (mAh), which are one-thousandth of an amp-hour (for example, a 1Ah battery is 1000mAh). Amp-hours are a rating of the amount of energy that a battery can store. Another way of looking at it is to say that the higher a battery's amp-hour rating is, the longer the battery's run-time will be. Some of our batteries will have higher amp-hour ratings than the original battery found in your device and will not cause any incompatibilities.
On the other hand, while the voltage of the Hi-Capacity battery may not be identical to the original battery, the voltages must be within a reasonable range.In order to rate the voltage of the cell, a voltage value between 3.0 and 4.2 must be picked. The voltage that is picked is called the "nominal" voltage, which means that it is for naming purposes only, whereas the actual voltage of the cell depends on the state of charge. Historically some manufacturers picked 3.6V while others picked 3.7V to name the cell. The functionality and performance of either cell is identical and cannot be differentiated by the device.
The explanation above applies to a single Li-Ion cell in series. When a battery has two or more Li-Ion cells in series, the voltage is multiplied by the number of cells in series, as in the table below:
Number of Li-Ion cells in series Nominal voltage Type of device
1 3.6V or 3.7V Cell phones and Digital cameras
2 7.2V or 7.4V Digital cameras and camcorders
3 10.8V or 11.1V Laptops
4 14.4V or 14.8V Laptops
Thus,
A Li-Ion battery labeled 3.6V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 3.7V.
A Li-Ion battery labeled 7.2V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 7.4V.
A Li-Ion battery labeled 10.8V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 11.1V.
A Li-Ion battery labeled 14.4V is the same as a Li-Ion battery labeled 14.8V.
How Long Do Batteries Last (What is the Life Span of the New Battery)?
The life of a rechargeable battery operating under normal conditions is generally between 500 to 800 charge-discharge cycles. This translates into one and a half to three years of battery life for the average user. As the rechargeable battery begins to die, the user will notice a decline in the running time of the battery. When a battery that originally operated the notebook for two hours is only supplying the user with an hour's worth of use, it's time for a new one.
Logicom Instruments Pte Ltd
10, Admiralty Street #02-66/67
North Link Building, Singapore 757695
Tel:(65) 6892-7666
Fax:(65) 6753-3034
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