Laptop Battery Problem

I bought a new battery for my Gateway M320S laptop. Two of the last three
times, when it got down to 15% battery remaining, the computer shut down
abruptly. When I booted up and plugged in the external power, the battery
stayed at 0% for several minutes, and then began charging. Does this sound
like a defective battery?

Thanks!
Scott

Hi!

> When I booted up and plugged in the external power, the battery
> stayed at 0% for several minutes, and then began charging. Does this
sound
> like a defective battery?

No. It sounds like the battery was simply out of calibration. Modern
computer batteries have "fuel gauge" functions built into a controller
inside the battery. This device helps keep you, the batteries and the
equipment safe. But it can become "confused" especially if the battery has
been sitting around doing nothing for a while. Battery cells will
self-discharge over time, the controller itself draws some small amount of
power, and this may not be considered by the controller.

Cycle the battery a few times and see how it behaves. It should get
better--if there is no improvement, then you should get a replacement.

William