Refurb laptop battery?

curtis corlew wrote:
> I've worn out 2 PowerBook G4 batteries. I'm about to buy another, but it
> occurs to me maybe there's a company that is rebuilding them so I can
> save a few bucks.
>
> My GoogleFu skills are failing me and I can't find such a company. Is
> there one? Does anyone have experience with rebuilt batteries? And no, I
> don't want to do it myself. Too scary.
>
It's my understanding of battery technology that the batteries
themselves chemically wear out. So the only way to refurbish them
(outside of what I'm sure would be a very expensive chemical process) is
to replace the actually batteries inside the case. Which is likely not
very economical.

On Mar 21, 2006, at 1:51 PM, David Ross wrote:

> curtis corlew wrote:
>> I've worn out 2 PowerBook G4 batteries. I'm about to buy another,
>> but it
>> occurs to me maybe there's a company that is rebuilding them so I can
>> save a few bucks.
>>
>> My GoogleFu skills are failing me and I can't find such a company. Is
>> there one? Does anyone have experience with rebuilt batteries? And
>> no, I
>> don't want to do it myself. Too scary.
>>
> It's my understanding of battery technology that the batteries
> themselves chemically wear out. So the only way to refurbish them
> (outside of what I'm sure would be a very expensive chemical
> process) is
> to replace the actually batteries inside the case. Which is likely not
> very economical.

Let's see. Except for the "battery paste" technology found in some
iPods (based on what I read), the process would be

1. Open a case deliberately designed not to open accidentally--even
if "encouraged" by a mishap inside
2. Remove the actual battery stuff from inside that case
3. Replace with new battery stuff, making sure the connections
connect reliably
4. Reseal the case so that it doesn't open accidentally
5. Dispose of what you removed in step 2 in an environmentally
friendly--or at the least legal--way.

That somehow sounds more expensive that getting a fresh battery from
the end of a production line, meaning the end user price after markup
should be higher rather than lower that the end-user price for a new
battery. Particularly since steps 1 and 2, at least, have to be done
with some degree of hazmat protection in case of process failure, and
step 3 needs product from the same supplier(s) who would prefer to
make and sell new batteries, or their suppliers who deal in large
quantities.

Two factors work in favor of the rebuild, though:
a. The batteries we're talking about have a relatively short shelf
life (apparently they do best at about refrigerator temperature, with
a cheap (not temperature-controlled) warehouse being quite a bit worse).
b. The factories probably do shorter production runs as the age of
the device the batteries go into increases (and hence the number of
devices in service decreases).

On the other hand, a (new construction) replacement battery for my
IBM 1472 cost much less late last year than it would have 3 years ago
when I first needed it, from the same seller. So either they were
working off long-shelf-life stock or some part of b) above is not
correct.

   --John

On 3/21/06 at 1:51 PM, drdavidrossconsultant.com (David Ross)
wrote:

>curtis corlew wrote:
>>I've worn out 2 PowerBook G4 batteries. I'm about to buy another,
>>but it occurs to me maybe there's a company that is rebuilding
>>them so I can save a few bucks.

>>My GoogleFu skills are failing me and I can't find such a company.
>>Is there one? Does anyone have experience with rebuilt batteries?
>>And no, I don't want to do it myself. Too scary.

>It's my understanding of battery technology that the batteries
>themselves chemically wear out. So the only way to refurbish them
>(outside of what I'm sure would be a very expensive chemical
>process) is to replace the actually batteries inside the case.
>Which is likely not very economical.

While this is true it still may also be true that there are companies refurbishing PowerBook batteries without going through this process. My understanding is what we are calling a battery for the PowerBook is more than just a battery. If I have this correct, it would be possible to refurbish it by replacing just the battery. I've no idea as to whether this can be done economically or not.

I found a local (Toronto, Canada) supplier who rebuilt my PBG3
Lombard battery with new cells for C$60 (US$50.00 approx. - less than
half the replacement cost up here) 2 years ago. It looked ugly, but
my son has been using it as his everyday machine with no complaints.

The shop specialised in recycling computers, and I guess they did
this work on the side. I suggest you ask around the more basic
computer repair and recycling outfits in your area.

--
Roger Henriques
rdh at rhen dot com

At 08:17 03/21/2006 -0800, curtis corlew wrote:
>I've worn out 2 PowerBook G4 batteries. I'm about to buy another, but it
>occurs to me maybe there's a company that is rebuilding them so I can save
>a few bucks.

As already pointed out, it's the expensive part that goes bad, so no.

But examine your usage. If you're commonly running on battery when you
could just as easily plug it in, then plug it in. If you're following the
NiCad practice of always running your battery down, then realize that NiMH
and lithium ion batteries work just the opposite: you should use the
battery as little as possible, always keep it charged up, always use
external power when available.

Edward
Art works by Melynda Reid: http://paleo.org

Check out this web page. It explains how to refurbish a 15" PB G4 battery. It's in German only but has plenty of pictures so you get the idea.

I don't think that batteries can be refurbished either but I would try http://www.laptopsforless.com/laptopbattery I have used them several times, all with excellent results. The batteries are affordable, reliable and they have everything. Just a suggestion. Hope it helps.

There is such a company. I saw them last week. Will try to find the URL. There are a LOT of questionable information espoused about these batteries, and it is really just folly that Apple and the other manufacturers don't make battery packs that can be opened and have the individual cells replaceable. Rather than have solder leads, they could easily have just as reliable flange contacts for these things. The waste they generate (in terms of housing AND making it harder to recycle the consumable part of these batteries) is stealing resources from our children. Basically inexcusable for a company that 'thinks different'.

I've heard this, too, and at one time found a website for such a company. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it now (and I need a new battery, too).

I first found the mention of the company on the Apple support message boards, but I can't find the message there any more either.