I have an 18mth old VGN-SZ120P/B that has some sort of hardware issue w/ the battery controller - I think. I am not sure where to go from here as the machine is out of warranty.
Several months ago, I puchased the docking station for this machine and began to use it. After a week or so of the machine docked and on, the original Sony battery died and would not take a charge. I assumed the battery was bad and bought a replacement from eBay.
Same story w/ the replacement... Dead after docked for a week or two... Beginning to think the docking station is killing batteries - but I don't know how...
Purchased another battery from eBay and used it for awhile w/out the docking station. Seemed to work, but the machine will not shut down properly when running from battery - it just turns off.
Another new battery - The machine now with a fresh WinXP load will flash the battery light fast and continiously when the battery is installed. The battery does work, but the battery meter can not tell how much life is left in the battery and again, it shuts down by just turning off.
I read something about a battery controller seperate to the motherboard in the machines... Don't know if this is true, or if it is bad.
I also am wondering if somehow the notebook will not work with anything but a REAL Sony battery... I just don't want to spend another 200 on this PC.
Sony said $600-$700 for repair...
I am at a loss here.
Several months ago, I puchased the docking station for this machine and began to use it. After a week or so of the machine docked and on, the original Sony battery died and would not take a charge. I assumed the battery was bad and bought a replacement from eBay.
Same story w/ the replacement... Dead after docked for a week or two... Beginning to think the docking station is killing batteries - but I don't know how...
Purchased another battery from eBay and used it for awhile w/out the docking station. Seemed to work, but the machine will not shut down properly when running from battery - it just turns off.
Another new battery - The machine now with a fresh WinXP load will flash the battery light fast and continiously when the battery is installed. The battery does work, but the battery meter can not tell how much life is left in the battery and again, it shuts down by just turning off.
I read something about a battery controller seperate to the motherboard in the machines... Don't know if this is true, or if it is bad.
I also am wondering if somehow the notebook will not work with anything but a REAL Sony battery... I just don't want to spend another 200 on this PC.
Sony said $600-$700 for repair...
I am at a loss here.
