anywhere to buy a cheap chromebook battery without much charge left? (I'm broke in canada)
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I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.
I'd like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.
I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I'd rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
location: Canada
part #: gm02xl
Secondary questions:
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Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
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Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
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I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.
I'd like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.
I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I'd rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
location: Canada
part #: gm02xl
Secondary questions:
-
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
-
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
I have heard of people disassembling laptop battery packs which are apparently made of multiple 18650 cells, which are a super common standardized part that can be sourced very affordably. Then they simply replace the cells and keep the original battery enclosure and charging circuitry.
However, Chromebooks tend to be built for planned obsolescence, so it may very well be a one of a kind part
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I have heard of people disassembling laptop battery packs which are apparently made of multiple 18650 cells, which are a super common standardized part that can be sourced very affordably. Then they simply replace the cells and keep the original battery enclosure and charging circuitry.
However, Chromebooks tend to be built for planned obsolescence, so it may very well be a one of a kind part
wrote last edited by [email protected]which are apparently made of multiple 18650 cells
That would totally depend on the model. 18650's would only be used in a laptop with a thick base. It could be another
you're off feelcell type or it could easily be a lithium polymer pouch and disassembling it could result in a fire.I wouldn't recommend doing this without knowing what you're doing.
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I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.
I'd like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.
I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I'd rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
location: Canada
part #: gm02xl
Secondary questions:
-
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
-
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
I would probably search local online markets for a broken one of your current Chromebook. The battery will likely do what you want and you'll have it for other spares too.
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I have heard of people disassembling laptop battery packs which are apparently made of multiple 18650 cells, which are a super common standardized part that can be sourced very affordably. Then they simply replace the cells and keep the original battery enclosure and charging circuitry.
However, Chromebooks tend to be built for planned obsolescence, so it may very well be a one of a kind part
Laptops haven't routinely used cylindrical cells in some time. I'm fairly confident that no Chromebook has ever done so.
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I have heard of people disassembling laptop battery packs which are apparently made of multiple 18650 cells, which are a super common standardized part that can be sourced very affordably. Then they simply replace the cells and keep the original battery enclosure and charging circuitry.
However, Chromebooks tend to be built for planned obsolescence, so it may very well be a one of a kind part
The battery is actually only half swollen. It looks like its made of two pieces (left and right) which are taped together in the middle. You can fold it a little bit and it feels like if the plastic tape was cut there would be two separate pieces connected with wire. I bet with the right knowledge it could be salvaged somewhat.
It might be a fun project for someone else but I'm not brave enough to make this my introduction to electronics.
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I would probably search local online markets for a broken one of your current Chromebook. The battery will likely do what you want and you'll have it for other spares too.
That's a good idea!
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I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.
I'd like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.
I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I'd rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
location: Canada
part #: gm02xl
Secondary questions:
-
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
-
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
What part of Canada are you in?
There are organizations that "recycle" donated electronics by getting old devices working and selling them at relatively low cost. One of them might have an old battery. Most run locally, or work through other organizations to get the devices to people who need them.
You might be able to get a used chromebook off marketplace or craigslist for cheaper than buying a new battery. You might even be able to find a similar model to get the battery. Or you might be able to move the ssd/hard drive over to the new one.
I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The laptop will probably run without a battery at all. Do you really need it to run while unplugged?
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
Computers should already do this. When the battery is fully charged they stop charging it and run directly off the ac power - unless of course something goes wrong and (for example) the battery stops reporting when it is fully charged. There might be a BIOS setting to bypass the battery completely, but it likely wouldn't charge it either. As far as I know this is outside the control of the OS though.
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
The port can probably be replaced by someone who knows how to solder. However, have you tried different usb cables to determine if it's the cable or port that is the problem? If it is the port then you might be able to gently squeeze the female port with pliers to make it tighter. Don't over-do it or you'll fold it closed completely. I wouldn't use super glue. At best it will scrape off and fall out, at worst you'll get it all over the contacts and that will make everything worse.
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That's a good idea!
Good luck! If you can't find one for sale it might be worth posting up in a local Facebook group or equivalent asking if anyone has one. Folks frequently don't think of selling broken kit.
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The battery is actually only half swollen. It looks like its made of two pieces (left and right) which are taped together in the middle. You can fold it a little bit and it feels like if the plastic tape was cut there would be two separate pieces connected with wire. I bet with the right knowledge it could be salvaged somewhat.
It might be a fun project for someone else but I'm not brave enough to make this my introduction to electronics.
wrote last edited by [email protected]Don't mess with the swollen battery!
I'm pretty sure the battery is 2 lithium polymer cells and one of the 2 cells has gone bad - it's a serious fire hazard! That advice to disassemble it is completely wrong! If the pouch gets punctured and exposed to oxygen it will go up in flames as well as spewing toxic smoke. You also shouldn't dispose of it in the regular garbage.
You need to figure out how to get rid of hazardous waste in your area.
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That's a good idea!
wrote last edited by [email protected]Oh one other idea is your local electronics recycling centre. Our one frequently has battered Chromebooks. One by the same brand might do you. The folks in our one are friendly and would definitely give it to you for free so you might get lucky there too. Maybe leave your phone number with them also.
On your question about the loose power - I'd say that's a dry or loose solder joint. If you're comfortable with a soldering iron it should be easily fixed. Occasionally a heavily used connector just loses grip and if that's the case a gentle squeeze with a pliers will do you.
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Don't mess with the swollen battery!
I'm pretty sure the battery is 2 lithium polymer cells and one of the 2 cells has gone bad - it's a serious fire hazard! That advice to disassemble it is completely wrong! If the pouch gets punctured and exposed to oxygen it will go up in flames as well as spewing toxic smoke. You also shouldn't dispose of it in the regular garbage.
You need to figure out how to get rid of hazardous waste in your area.
good advice! I will adhere to it.
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Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
What part of Canada are you in?
There are organizations that "recycle" donated electronics by getting old devices working and selling them at relatively low cost. One of them might have an old battery. Most run locally, or work through other organizations to get the devices to people who need them.
You might be able to get a used chromebook off marketplace or craigslist for cheaper than buying a new battery. You might even be able to find a similar model to get the battery. Or you might be able to move the ssd/hard drive over to the new one.
I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The laptop will probably run without a battery at all. Do you really need it to run while unplugged?
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
Computers should already do this. When the battery is fully charged they stop charging it and run directly off the ac power - unless of course something goes wrong and (for example) the battery stops reporting when it is fully charged. There might be a BIOS setting to bypass the battery completely, but it likely wouldn't charge it either. As far as I know this is outside the control of the OS though.
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
The port can probably be replaced by someone who knows how to solder. However, have you tried different usb cables to determine if it's the cable or port that is the problem? If it is the port then you might be able to gently squeeze the female port with pliers to make it tighter. Don't over-do it or you'll fold it closed completely. I wouldn't use super glue. At best it will scrape off and fall out, at worst you'll get it all over the contacts and that will make everything worse.
There are organizations that “recycle” donated electronics by getting old devices working and selling them at relatively low cost. One of them might have an old battery. Most run locally, or work through other organizations to get the devices to people who need them.
I know a couple such organizations locally. I'll check their listings and try emailing them in case they happen to have the part around. The market was flooded with this model of device a few years ago.. I think some large educational system upgraded all at once and someone bought them in bulk to sell as refurbs pretty cheap. There must be lots of them around; the trick is to find one.
You might be able to get a used chromebook off marketplace or craigslist for cheaper than buying a new battery. You might even be able to find a similar model to get the battery.
It's a good idea I'll have a look. Just from getting Linux up and running I know one issue with these devices is that there are a lot of variations of the model, and models that have names sounding similar, look same from the outside, but with slightly different components. There'd be some risk of getting a slightly wrong model so I'll have to see what's available, what's the price, and decide how lucky I feel.
The laptop will probably run without a battery at all. Do you really need it to run while unplugged?
It needs power from somewhere, either a battery or an AC adaptor. Since I have removed the battery, it has no backup. Any slight jostling of the very sensitive USB port that interrupts the power even for a moment results in abrupt shutdown. I just need a little bit of backup to be able to tolerate short gaps. I don't think this thing even has a CMOS battery!
The port can probably be replaced by someone who knows how to solder. However, have you tried different usb cables to determine if it’s the cable or port that is the problem?
Yes it's definitely the port. Tried different cables, and the same cable on other devices which don't have the problem.
If it is the port then you might be able to gently squeeze the female port with pliers to make it tighter. Don’t over-do it or you’ll fold it closed completely.
I understand what you mean. I'll have a look at it and see if I can determine where the looseness is. I will try to squeeze it if it looks safe. Put something in the port to brace it probably.
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Oh one other idea is your local electronics recycling centre. Our one frequently has battered Chromebooks. One by the same brand might do you. The folks in our one are friendly and would definitely give it to you for free so you might get lucky there too. Maybe leave your phone number with them also.
On your question about the loose power - I'd say that's a dry or loose solder joint. If you're comfortable with a soldering iron it should be easily fixed. Occasionally a heavily used connector just loses grip and if that's the case a gentle squeeze with a pliers will do you.
I'm not comfortable with soldering but it's a skill I'd like to have. I've done it a couple of times years ago and I recall it being straightforward enough. Would just need to read and practice a bit first.
I'm going to try the recyclers and squeezing the port tighter.
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I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.
I'd like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.
I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I'd rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
location: Canada
part #: gm02xl
Secondary questions:
-
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
-
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
You can try AliExpress for the battery but you will probably be better with securing the laptop, battery pack and wire together onto a bigger plywood/cardboard so it's like a splint on a broken arm. If one moves the whole setup moves.it won't be pretty but it's cheap. Like what Mathias Wendell does with his semi-permanent electronics setup.
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You can try AliExpress for the battery but you will probably be better with securing the laptop, battery pack and wire together onto a bigger plywood/cardboard so it's like a splint on a broken arm. If one moves the whole setup moves.it won't be pretty but it's cheap. Like what Mathias Wendell does with his semi-permanent electronics setup.
you mean build a new wooden case around the old one? so that the power cord can be held secure? Why would I need it if I had a battery pack?
I did something like that once using a wire paper tray as a base―lighter and with better air circulation than plywood.
Is there a video about something other than a space heater?
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I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.
I'd like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.
I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I'd rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
location: Canada
part #: gm02xl
Secondary questions:
-
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
-
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
Type the chromebook make and model into ebay and see if you can get a cheaper replacement battery. Otherwise you can probably fake something using phone or cylindrical batteries or similar, especially if you don't mind them not fitting properly into the chromebook.
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I had to remove the battery from my chromebook because it swelled up.
I'd like to get a new battery. I only need enough juice to survive being unplugged for a few minutes without shutting down abruptly.
The chromebook was about $60 to buy. With shipping and tax, a new battery is priced $40-80.
I like the device, I have put the time in to getting linux functioning how I like, so I'd rather not start fresh with a new chromebook. And I have no money.
Is there some kind of vendor that sells old batteries that don't have much power in them? I was hoping to spend about $20. Maybe some sort of recycler.
location: Canada
part #: gm02xl
Secondary questions:
-
Is it possible to bypass the battery as a power source when plugged in so that they don't get swollen in the future? I would rather just leave devices plugged in all the time.
-
Is there a way to make the USB power more securely attached so it doesn't disconnect at the slightest movement? Super glue?
A quick search on eBay for "chromebook gm02xl battery" shows me a ton of battery for under $20 with shipping, saw one for $12 with free shipping.
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