Can you test a battery in laptop?

Hi, I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop that will be 24 months old on Aug.4, 2008. I have no idea how long a battery should last but I know that I have not used the battery for my power much at all. I'll say 50/50 battery power - 50/50 direct current power. It would be great if there was a software to test my battery from Laptop. I think this is the battery my Dell has,
UD264 BATTERY..., PRIMARY..., 13.2V, 6C, LITHIUM..., SANYO...
Thanks for any help in advance.
~Paul

 

NoteBookReview - Dell Inspiron 1501 -6 cell battery package (1 click up from last page)

Keep in mind, when the review was done, battery was brand new. Gives you a parameter to work with. To run a fair test, should discharge battery to very low, then fully charge, then run test.

 

Thanks Tony,Steve & Dennis. I made a mistake I have a Inspiron 1505, very sorry about that, Anyway I'll look at the BIOS. I guess I'll just let it run all the way down, which I think it does quickly. Would it be cheaper to buy a battery somewhere other than Dell. Thanks for everything people.
~Paul

 

TonyT, thanks for going the extra to find this site for me,plenty of info here and prices,
I'm surprised at the cost of batterys, kinda high, IMPO...Oh well, everything is expensive today.
Thanks,
~Paul