I believe the real issue here is not so much that Dell is a bad manufacturer (in the manufacturing world, they are no better or worse than others), but that there is not enough real information about the use of "Li-ion" based batteries in the first place.
For example:
1 - Any use of "Li-ion" based batteries is risky due to the unstable nature of the internal components and how they react during energy generation.
2 - "Li-ion" batteries start losing their efficiency the moment the manufacture process completes, not when they are first used.
3 - The life expectancy (defined as efficiency above 40%) is about 3 years [edited by author for correction from 1 year] under normal operating conditions.
4 - After life expectancy, it is not recommended to attempt to re-charge or use these types of batteries.
5 - The 'safety components' built into the "Li-ion" battery are responsible for ensuring that the battery does not over-charge, and therefore over-heat and become unstable. This portion is supposed to be tested and approved by the quality assurance division of the manufacturer of the batteries.
The correct approach would be for both notebook computer manufacturers, and the battery manufacturers, to include explicit information on the handling and use of the "Li-ion" batteries with the notebook documentation. This is where the weak link is in the manufacturing process.
Dell (and all other notebook manufacturers) can easily provide this documentation, and should - IMO - require the battery manufacturers to provide seperate documentation to be included in the notebook information packet.
BTW - I work in the manufacturing industry (10 years so far), and specifically in the quality control/assurance department of a local manufacturer here in Seattle.
