AT reader, Anne, asked this question over in the open thread. I purchased a computer battery from the Dell website. When it showed up in the mail, it was a tiny cell battery that looks like 3-4 watch batteries enclosed in a seal. Dell told me just to keep it rather than send it back. I have no idea what this battery is for.
Anyone know?
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
hometech(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
hometech(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
Looks a lot like the batteries used in cordless phones (not cell phones).
view munckee's profile
I just went back to the Dell site and found what I ordered. I found it under notebook batteries for Inspiron 4100.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/DellPartsProductListing.aspx?c=us&category_id=6731&category_name=Inspiron Power 4100&cs=19&l=en&ManufactSelection=Inspiron&ModelName=Inspiron 4100&ModelSelection=121747&RPU=1
Refurbished: 6-Cell Reserve/CMOS Battery
Usually Ships 1-2 Weeks
Manufacturer Part# 5D566
Dell Part# 5D566
Add to Cart
More Details
$10.99
Can you believe they're selling this little thing under the guise of a laptop battery. Perhaps it is but nobody, including my next door neighbor who works for Dell can tell me what it is.
view anne's profile
The description says it's a CMOS battery. That's the battery that keeps your BIOS settings and the time when you unplug your laptop and take the battery out. Same with a desktop PC when you unplug it.
I think the tipoff that it might not be what you wanted should have been buying a laptop battery for $11.
view Ondrej's profile
Yeah, I know. The thought crossed my mind and so I did a google search on 6 cell vs. 9 cell batteries. All the discussions were about how long each one lasted and since there was no photo to accompany the battery and it was a refurbished battery and all the others were 9 cell I thought "wow, I can get a battery for $11!" The answer is "yes!" - a stupid little battery I have use for.
view anne's profile