This message showed up on my computer in mid-August after I had lost three of the nine cells in the internal battery that came with my laptop while we were in NY this July.

I would like to point out, however, that it is a very misleading statement because currently if my computer become unplugged from the wall, it shuts down. Meaning the battery is completely dead not even 18 MONTHS into my laptop’s life.

And look at this helpful screen…

Oh really?

I went online to research some battery options and Dell wants me to pay $140 for a new battery. The kicker is that all of the reviews/comments about this battery are terrible because the average life span is a mere 12 months. I don’t know about you but I am going to become very grumpy if I have to replace my internal battery on an annual schedule.

So, I found a generic one for $80 that has a two year replacement warranty. And that’s my way of waving a certain finger in Dell’s direction.