subject: Laptop Battery Life Comparison [print this page] Since laptops are designed to be used as a source of portable computing, one of their major features is the length of time the computer can be used away from an external power source. This means that anyone using or considering purchasing a laptop can appreciate the importance of the laptop's battery. The battery is the only thing keeping the laptop running when it isn't plugged in with the ac adapter. As laptop become more common and are used in more situations, the battery technology used in laptops has become more sophisticated and capable of providing power in this wide range of applications. Because of this, people may not immediately think about battery life when considering laptops or replacement laptop batteries. However, the difference between two laptop models or two battery models can mean the difference between watching the last 5 minutes of a movie on an airplane or having to finish the film when at home. When power means time and time means more work accomplished, it would be a good idea to make sure you know how a laptop battery will perform. So, take a look at our laptop battery life comparison before buying a notebook computer or a notebook computer battery.
If you're getting ready to purchase a laptop and are worried about battery life, keep a few things in mind. A laptop with a bigger screen, faster processor, and better graphics will require more power from the battery at any given moment. Some laptops are meant to be desktop replacements, which means they are designed to be used with ac power and only seldom on battery power. These laptops are usually very heavy and powerful. But if portability and battery life are main concerns, smaller computers with smaller screens and less-intense graphics and processing capabilities will give you the most bang for your battery.
It is also useful to keep in mind that, when buying a notebook, many manufacturers or retailers will offer an extended life battery for purchase with the computer, which can double the runtime and serve to increase functionality while adding little extra bulk and weight to the unit.
If you are happy with your current machine but do need to purchase a replacement or extra battery, keep aftermarket batteries in your sights. In many cases, you can buy an extended life aftermarket battery for the same price as a standard capacity OEM battery. Make sure the battery is purchased from a reputable company, however, as sometimes the opposite is true and the company will sell a less powerful battery at the same OEM cost.
Finally, some laptop computers still have different types of batteries available as replacements. Some models can be replaced by either NiCD, NiMH, or Li-Ion batteries. If this is the case, you may notice that the NiCD and NiMH batteries cost significantly less than their Li-Ion counterparts. Before you jump for the cheapest option, however, you should know that these batteries will have lower runtimes and lower overall life spans than lithium batteries.
