Need help with computer ?

[VictoriaL]

I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 (about 5 years old). I noticed a few months ago that, when I use it powered by battery, the time that I can do this before receiving a "low battery" message has been decreasing. It really didn't bother me since I mostly use the laptop when on ac power.

One of the device status lights started flashing orange last night and when I called Dell I was told that the battery was failing and that I needed to replace it. The rep told me to remove the battery and use only on a/c power, but to replace the battery asap. I asked why I couldn't just leave the battery in and allow it to totally die, which would mean that I couldn't operate the laptop without plugging it into an outlet, but that I'm okay with that. She said that they wouldn't recommend doing that, but didn't expand on this.

So my questions are:

Can I use this laptop on ac current only for the rest of its life (which I hope is a few more years yet)?

If so, and if I really can't keep the dying battery in it, how do I cover that area where the battery used to be (figuring that dust, etc. inside the computer will only be a bad thing).

If I should install a new battery, where is the most reasonable place to buy one? I'm figuring that the Dell website is NOT that place!

I'd appreciate any help since this is out of my realm of expertise. :)

[Gumbeaux]

If I should install a new battery, where is the most reasonable place to buy one? I'm figuring that the Dell website is NOT that place!

Maybe here (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=Dell+Inspiron+5100+battery&sacat=58058%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=)?

[jeanrw]

Can I use this laptop on ac current only for the rest of its life (which I hope is a few more years yet)?

If so, and if I really can't keep the dying battery in it, how do I cover that area where the battery used to be (figuring that dust, etc. inside the computer will only be a bad thing).
I know several people that just use their Dell laptop on AC after the battery is dead. You can leave the battery in there after it quits working. The price for batteries on the link Gumbeaux posted is very reasonable.

[Hammster]

A few more sites to check...
You'll really miss the battery if you don't have it.

http://www.shentech.com/pt015h8500p.html

http://www.etech4sale.com/Dell_14.8V_Lithium-Ion_Laptop_battery/F0590_A01/partinfo-id-142040.html

http://www.etech4sale.com/Dell_12-Cell_Lithium-Ion_Battery/F0590_A00/partinfo-id-141991.html

[VictoriaL]

Thanks, guys. I'll research those sites and, for now, I'll just keep using the laptop on ac power since I'm figuring that won't hurt it. :)

[Miss Giggles]

I had a dead battery for like a year. Its not a big deal. Just go on the internet and find a compatible replacement.