Maximum PC

I've got a Dell 600m and the battery dies after like 20 mins. But when I look at the indicator on the battery itself (the 5 green lights) they all still light up.

I'm wondering if windows thinks my battery is dead but it's not?

Or are the lights on the battery wrong and I need a new one?

If your laptop just shuts off or powers down, the battery is likely dead. I am not certain that either of the metering circuits have anything much to do with the computer turning off. What does windows say about the battery? What do the contacts on the battery look like? Does it look like you could semi-easily get a volt meter on it? If it is dead it is dead. There could be all kinds of things wrong with the metering circuits.

I honestly can't see that making it not work.

Honestly, for like $35-40 you can get an eBay replacement. I have done this for an HP notebook and I will again for my Dell's when the batteries die (between the fiance and me, we have 3 Dell laptops and her father also has one).

You could also try to find a place like Batteries Plus. My Dad had them replace the cells in 3 of his proprietary Nikon battery packs. They work as well if not slightly better, than OEM.

It's dead, Jim.

Li-ION batteries typically have a lifespan of 3 years depending on how they're made.

Here is your best deal on a replacement. Unless of course you are itching to go brand new laptop. HP has all sorts of deals flying around right now on their machines.

pretty much par for the course. Just have to figure out which one is better at the time.