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Laptop batteries
Due to the high power demands of portable computers, laptop batteries are crucial to the equipment’s operation.
The batteries are typically lithium-ion and chosen for their ability to be recharged, their ease of use and light weight. Indeed lithium-ion batteries have one of the best energy-to-weight ratios available.
Similar uses of this technology include:
- Mobile phones batteries.
- Digital camera batteries.
- Cordless telephone batteries.
- Camcorder batteries.
- Drill batteries.
- Golf cart batteries.
All of these products are seen as ‘high drain’ and as such, typical AA batteries would be drained of power in a very short period of time.
Using notebook computer batteries
Laptop batteries are charged from the mains electricity supply using a manufacturer supplied AC to battery lead. The average laptop battery has a lifespan of anything between 100 to 1000 charges and last one to three years. Performance will then tail off, requiring the purchase of a replacement battery.
Replacement laptop batteries can be an expensive investment, as the lithium-ion technology used is costly. However, many companies offer cut-price alternatives to the laptop maker’s replacement.
And as many laptop users require their equipment to be usable at any opportunity, often when a back-up mains supply is not available, increasing numbers are buying second batteries. These are carried with the laptop and can be clicked into position when power begins to drain from the original.
Extending the lifespan of laptop batteries
Demand for rechargeable batteries is increasing, due to the rise in popularity of laptop, notebook and netbook computer batteries.
Batteries are common in all of these devices, and simple actions can maximise battery life.
- Maintain the laptop correctly - a defragmented hard drive will run faster and use less battery power.
- Close unneeded programs and switch off the Wi-Fi signal when not in use.
- Where possible, run programs directly from the hard drive - CD and DVD drives consume huge amounts of power.
- Power down the computer fully when not in use and adjust the settings in the “Control Panel”. For example, set your screen to shut down after a period of inactivity and adjust the LCD brightness of the screen.
It is wise is to investigate the efficiency of the laptop battery before making your purchase. The most powerful laptop batteries are typically sold with the most expensive computers, however the initial investment should pay off in terms of longevity.
