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Bought myself an Ampere Altra system

(marcin.juszkiewicz.com.pl)
204 points pabs3 | 4 comments | 30 Jun 25 04:38 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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fschutze ◴[30 Jun 25 06:14 UTC] No.44420001[source]▶
I never bought used computer parts. Are these parts generally reliable for ~2 years when bought used?
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throw-qqqqq ◴[30 Jun 25 09:10 UTC] No.44421096[source]▶
I haven’t bought new hardware since I was a teenager. Second hand is cheap and good for the environment. I never received a broken part and everything has worked reliably for me.

2-3 years is not a lot. My daily driver laptop is from 2011 and still going strong.

Sure, there are “lemons” out there, but there are also a lot of people who just replace their hardware often.

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1. amelius ◴[30 Jun 25 09:45 UTC] No.44421306[source]▶
Are you still using the same battery?
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2. throw-qqqqq ◴[30 Jun 25 10:23 UTC] No.44421537[source]▶
Haha yes, but it doesn’t last for more than 20-30mins now. Used to be 7-8hours for the first five-six years, then dropped off.

I also only buy used phones (I don’t have high requirements) and as with laptops, batteries are the “weak link” - as you correctly point out.

A brand new battery for my laptop, can be had for ~30-65 USD though, and the battery is easy to replace (doesn’t even require screwdriver). I never use it untethered anymore though, so I don’t bother..

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3. amelius ◴[30 Jun 25 11:26 UTC] No.44421945[source]▶
Ha, ok. I sometimes read that old batteries pose a physical risk, but I thankfully haven't experienced that. Maybe something to keep in mind though.

I'd like to see some numbers on it.

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4. throw-qqqqq ◴[01 Jul 25 14:12 UTC] No.44434087{3}[source]▶
For me they usually just lose capacity and/or ability to charge. Most laptops will keep functioning when tethered.

I think most batteries must puncture or corrode to pose a physical hazard. Alkaline batteries can corrode, but I’ve never seen issues with old Li-Ion unless exposed to violence and/or water.

EDIT:

Some numbers found quickly: https://www.britsafe.org/safety-management/2024/lithium-ion-...