Quote from: A on May 23, 2020, 21:23:59
More than likely, the Dell uses a 1000 cycle battery too, but all that heat it gives off lowers it down to 300 cycles.
I really wish they made non-removable batteries illegal. I know US won't but what about Europe who is more concerned about ewaste?
I very much doubt it. For one, it would be very conservative of them (pay for a 1000 cycle battery and claim only 300 cycles). And I don't think they account for accelerated wear from heat at all. That's, essentially, your problem. You could argue about it, especially since Dell really likes baking their laptops, but battery is considered a consumable. That's why they carry a much shorter warranty. There is no guarantee that the specifications will hold for adverse conditions. In the EU, it would be very hard to win that argument in court. Perhaps in the US where courts are more tolerant of stupidity and ignorance. Also, given the battery replacement program Dell has, 300 cycles would, unfortunately, be within reason.
While I like conveniently removable batteries, why exactly? As long as it's replaceable, it shouldn't be a concern for the environment. Having to undo a few standard screws and a connector isn't a problem (unless too flimsy). Sealing devices, thoroughly gluing batteries or refusing to sell replacements, that's a problem. Of course, usage of a crappy 300 cycle battery is a concern for the environment. One would hope for a longer lifespan in a laptop. A single 1000 cycle battery is surely better than three 300 cycle batteries. Apple has been using 1000 cycle batteries since something like 2008. And not just in laptops.
Crap is exactly what I think of such batteries. Still, the crazy wear rates some people claim are not consistent even with such crappy batteries. There has to be a user factor and it indeed is possible to kill a battery pretty quickly. They're far from fool proof. That's a big reason for their pretty short warranties. Manufacturers don't want to pay for user's ignorance or negligence. Nor do they want to shoulder the burden of proof.