I seem unable to find an answer via search: H

[Jaymz]

I seem unable to find an answer via search:

How long does it take to charge the M200 battery?

[xuanvu]

Mines usually took about 2 1/2 hr or 3hr to fully charge a completely depleted battery.

Kenny.

[Yanis]

From the manual

Time
The following table shows the approximate time required to fully charge a discharged battery.

Charging time (hours)
Battery type Power on Power off
Battery Pack 8.5 (approx.) 2.5 (approx.)
RTC battery 8.0 Doesn’t charge

NOTE: The charging time when the computer is on is affected by ambient temperature, the temperature of the computer and how you use the computer. If you make heavy use of external devices, for example, the battery might scarcely charge at all during operation. Refer also to the section Maximizing battery operating time.

[dcpetral]

Yeah, mine takes about 3 hours, sometimes more. sure makes me miss my acer, Which could recharge in about half the time...

[Jaymz]

Im trying to figure out how to go about keeping two batteries charged a day =/ maybe wasnt smart to get two batteries...

This should be added to the FAQ btw IMO =P

[Randyspawn]

An external charger is probably the best way to go. I've heard that the PA3091U-1CHG is compatible even though Toshiba makes no mention of it on their site. Technically, this makes sense because the charger is listed as being able to charge shorter-lived versions of the M200s battery. The voltages and pin connections of these shorter batteries are identical to the M200s and the batteries themselves are even M200 compatible, even though they don't last as long.

[DEdger]

I have three batteries for my M205. One is pretty much in storage, used only occasionally. The other two are alternated in daily use. Some days I run down just one, some days both. I don't have an external charger but find that I can just swap them out during the evening and both charge up by the next morning. Don't worry if you go a day or two without using the battery, they do not discharge that quickly. I do mark the batteries so I can remember which one is which.

Traveling cross country and using the computer all the time, I need to have that spare battery.

[Jaymz]

Before I pay $300 plus for a charger I will just get one of those 10+ hour external batteries.

However, I wonder how hard it would really be to make my own charger.

[weth]

2 1/2 to 3 hours with the external charger sounds about right. I have 2 batteries that last me a half day each and charge in the external charger.

I waited for a deal on Ebay for the external charger PA3091U and got it for $13.99 +9.99 shipping. It was brand new in sealed box. Just checked right now, no good ebay deals, but keep looking because when I bought there were a few in that price range.

[John Land]

Jaymz -a modern charger does a lot more than apply a voltage to a battery. It monitors the battery as it charges and adjusts voltage and current in a non-linear fashion. A "simple" voltage down conversion and rectification will likely make a modern battery explode.