Forum Topic

Sony Laptop Battery Problems

I have a Sony VAIO Laptop which would not hold the battery charge for more than 25 munites since the day it was puchased. Has anyone else had a similar problem?I took it back to the store just after purchase but was just told to fully charge the battery overnight. It made no difference. I regret not having returned the laprop at the time, unfortunately, I just continued to use it connected to the mains.What annoys me is that Sony are always sending me emails about new products but their after sales service leaves a lot to be desired.Now reading on verious forums I find that many other VAIO users had complaints about the poor battery performance.Unfortunately the laptop is out of warranty and Sony said I should buy another battery at a cost of £91.00 plus vat!According to their email they only give 6 months warranty with the battery when purchased with the laptop! Would anyone buy a product with such a short guarantee? I doubt it.Sony products have not been so reliable in recent years I feel because   the battery in my camera is also rubbish. Once upon a tine I would only buy Sony products but I certainly won't buy Sony products in future.Has anyone else had problems with Sony products?

Jean F Fernandez ● 4550d3 Comments

If you use it on the mains most of the time take the battery out.The heat from the proximity of the power supply, depending on layout, often has a detrimental effect on battery life.The other thing to do before you buy a new battery is, making sure that you are doing nothing important on the laptop, to completely run the battery down until the laptop shuts off. Fully charge it and do the same again a couple of times. It may improve from such discharge/charge cycling.

Nigel Brooks ● 4550d

Thanks Nigel.I was surprised to see how many Sony customers were angry at the poor battery performance.This was my first laptop of course so I had no idea what to expect, but I agree 25 minutes is silly and their charge for a new battery is ridiculous!I bought a little glass table and just use the laptop on that connected to the mains.Thanks for the link to the website.Sony would have you only paying out for their own products at inflated prices.

Jean F Fernandez ● 4550d

I think all manufacturers over-estimate the life of batteries. It's a bit like car makers quoting mpg figures which are only achievable under ideal conditions but 25 minutes is plain daft.£91.00 + VAT is also silly.I use smartparts for laptop batteries, around 50% of the price of the manufacturer's product.Link:http://smartparts.co.uk/

Nigel Brooks ● 4550d