Build your own laptop battery... or not

Given some of the potential really bad things that can go wrong with professionally-made laptops batteries, we're not sure how good an idea it is to attempt to build your own, although that doesn't seem to have stopped some from trying. As the video after the break courtesy of "Kipkay" shows (he of the flashlight cellphone charger), the whole processes appears to be relatively straightforward, if not wrought with danger, and it will certainly save you a few bucks compared to the ready-made variety. Though we're guessing those savings may seem a bit less attractive if you suddenly find yourself in need of a whole new laptop, or some new eyebrows.

[Via Uber-Review]

The Hole - video powered by Metacafe

[Standingfast @ Mar 26th 2007 3:47PM]

Wow, amazing. What a great idea. Too bad there is not a solder less alternative...

[S. Brown @ Mar 26th 2007 4:06PM]

I think Sony could take a few pointers from this guy.

[tiuk @ Mar 26th 2007 4:34PM]

There are some things that I'm more than happy to pay for.

[cmonkey @ Mar 26th 2007 4:40PM]

I found a few of the "exploder" G4 and MacBook batteries getting thrown out once. I took the 8 cells out of the G4 battery and replaced the 4 cells each in two old laptops I have. It worked quite well and they have far better battery life than they did new. The current draw will be fairly low, so I have no fear of them exploding on me.

[Electromodo @ Mar 26th 2007 5:17PM]

Quote: "...we're not sure how good an idea it is to attempt to build your own..."

It is a very good idea for the old laptops, especially if your laptop is a rare brand.

Of course, you can always get a universal battery, but who wants to spend $100+ for an old laptop that costs $50? By refurbishing batteries you can at least keep your expenses low.

[LukeA @ Mar 26th 2007 5:22PM]

Each blue cylinder is not a battery. It's a cell. Together they're a bettery.

[James @ Mar 26th 2007 5:40PM]

While laptop batteries are extremely expensive for what they are, I'd trust something ready made over something i'd cooked up anyday in this one field...

[Phil @ Mar 26th 2007 6:29PM]

Why can't someone just make laptop battery packs that use standard replaceable AA rechargeables inside? That would save so much money, and the company that made the "battery cases" for various laptop brands would make huge amounts of money.

[Tim @ Mar 26th 2007 7:26PM]

Because you might end up needing a lot of them Phil. I'll agree that it's a sad fact that all batteries are proprietary ones these days, though.

[Russell @ Mar 26th 2007 7:18PM]

This actually does have some good use...

They do not make new batteries for a lot of older laptops, and since LiOn batteries degrade in capacity over time even if stored properly, "upgrading" your 4 year old battery in an otherwise good laptop to a "new old stock" battery will leave you wanting your original battery life.

So yeah, this would be cool to take your old beater laptop used for console cabling a router and get it to hold a damn charge again without a $99 fleabay battery that likely is years old and almost as bad.

[NoneMoreBlack @ Mar 26th 2007 9:08PM]

Perhaps you meant "fraught" with danger?

[ranron @ Mar 26th 2007 9:21PM]

FYI its called a lithium cells not lithium batteries.

[vlad @ Mar 26th 2007 10:04PM]

What I find interesting is that there's room for twice as many cells in that case. It would be cool to not only rebuild the battery but also increase its capacity, assuming the charging system could handle it of course.

I don't think this is nearly as dangerous as many are making it out to be. It looks pretty simple as long as you're good at soldering heat-sensitive components.

[RandomThoughts @ Mar 26th 2007 11:32PM]

Yeah, I can just imagine trying to walk that laptop through airport security and being asked to remove the battery.

Have a feeling you might end up undergoing a pretty long search with that one.

[tim @ Mar 27th 2007 12:17AM]

soldering lithium cells, not a brilliant idea...

[Ryan Gardner @ Mar 27th 2007 1:39AM]

"we're not sure how good an idea it is to attempt to build your own"

2 years ago you seemed to think it was a good idea.

http://www.engadget.com/2005/06/28/how-to-rebuild-your-laptop-battery/

Maybe you should read your own blog.

[ScooterDe @ Mar 27th 2007 5:47AM]

jeez, that guy talks fast!
I tried this (many times), with a gateway, to no avail. I couldn't get the solder to stick to the batteries (which were cheaper in Akihabara than the $37 quoted). I even stumped for a second set with tabs already soldered, all without success.

I agree with the comment that there should simply be (rechargeable) batteries in a housing, which a user could swap out (that's all these batteries are).

However times have moved on: the Gateway battery case reminds me of a 1950s car - under the hood there is a lot of space and it is really easy to work on the engine. A modern car is, much like a modern laptop battery, a much tighter and complicated beast.

[PanShop @ Mar 27th 2007 9:37AM]

I have already done this several times with several kinds of batteries and electronics, old brick size cellphones, electric screwdriver, notebooks, it's all about getting the same voltage cells and the same size, the mAh aren?t so relevant but more means more durable charges, the kind of battery isn't an issue either, if you can upgrade fron NiMh to LiIon thats cool too, but then them take longer for a full charge and so on.

[battery-shop @ Jun 29th 2007 2:41AM]

Oh,it is a good idea. we should be carefull for we are not the expert. However building a laptop battery by ourselves save much money.

[cells @ Jun 30th 2007 4:20AM]

Lithium batteries are really dangerous when punctured They evidently go into thermal overload this is where all available energy turns into heat and the cell catches fire. As each cell in the battery heats up this in turn will catch fire and before long the whole battery is on fire. Lithium cells burn at 700 degrees Centigrade. I am surprised they allow them on aeroplanes. www.laptopbatterybbs.com have battery waste solutions advertised on their website

[Dan @ Jul 26th 2007 7:01PM]

I don't recommend this to the average joe, buying a replacement is worth the money if you look for some deals. instead of paying for medical bills since you soldered the wrong thing, get a battery with a warranty. try looking on http://www.pricegrabber.com to get some deals but lookout for generic brands. I use http://www.topmicrousa.com for batteries since they are made by Mr. Battery. Or try the manufacturer (dell, hp, etc)