6 cell Battery Life Dell 14R

2.5 hours is about as good as you'll get from a 6-cell battery.  A 9-cell should run 50% longer (at the expense of being larger and heavier, of course).

I recently purchased the Dell Inspiron 14R and I am finding the battery life of the 6 cell battery is only lasting upto 2 hours.  Is this normal for 6GB 640GB hard drive with 2nd generation I5 processor?  Seems too short.   I am having the exact same problems.  I'm wondering if I should get a larger battery.  I'm lucky to get 2 1/2 hours on the standard battery.

I bought Dell inspiron 15R 5520 last week .. The battery (6 cell) is taking around 3Hrs 20mins and I am getting 2 hrs backup.. Can any one tell me is this normal.. or i have been fooled by  Dell.. pls reply!!

Hi rajatkapoor,

Battery backup depends on the usage of the computer.

Here are the few factors which may affect battery performance:

• Processor speed - Enabling features such as Intel Speed Step or AMD Power Now! Extends battery life by automatically adjusting the processor speed to meet system demands. These features are typically enabled by default on computers that support them.

• CD, DVD, CD-RW and hard drive access frequency - Moving files and programs directly to the hard drive, when possible, reduces the number of devices requiring battery power. Adding more memory can also help by reducing the need to use a swap file on the hard drive.

• Programs - Running only the programs that are necessary reduces demands on the system processor and memory. Programs that cause intensive use of the processor and drives (such as playing a DVD movie or 3D games) can more than halve the amount of time that the computer can be used on battery power.

• LCD brightness - Lowering the brightness of the LCD screen reduces the amount of power required by the screen. To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press + to increase the brightness or + to decrease the brightness on the LCD display panel.

• Backlit keyboard - Turning off or halfing the brightness of your backlit keyboard can conserve battery power for when you are using your computer. Typically to adjust the brightness of the backlit keyboard, press + to cycle through two brightness settings and the offsetting.

• Power management - Set the computer to enter suspend or hibernate when idle to conserve battery power when the computer is not being used.

• Battery age - A battery's average life expectancy is 1 year. After this time, it is normal to experience a decrease in battery life.

• Battery age/life is in no way shortened, when the portable computer is directly connected to AC Power (power outlet) and continuously used for long period of time. The reason is that the system motherboard automatically stops power flow to battery, as soon the battery is fully charged.

I recommend to update BIOS from the below mentioned link:

www.dell.com/.../inspiron-15r-5520

Please refer below link for FAQ’s:

www.dell.com/.../batteries_faq

Please reply any further questions.

Sir, 

   I have been using Dell inspiron 14R for the past two years. I changed my laptop battery on june, 2012 as the older one indicated "Consider replacing your battery". Now the new battery (presently using) discharges within 1 and half hours for the past two days.  The battery worked for 3 hours when i bought newly. I dont use laptop frequently. for a day i use it for 3 or hours maximum. What shall i do to improve the performance of dell battery? Also i have a year warranty for the new battery. Can it be replaced again as they warrant is there for another 4 months. Please suggest me...