Guide to Buying Laptop Batteries

You know how convenient your laptop can be. Whether you're passing the time while you wait for a plane or kicking your feet up on the beach while getting some work done on your laptop, the flexibility of notebook computers is fantastic. All this portability, however, requires battery power. And laptop batteries do not last forever. If you've noticed that your laptop battery isn't giving you enough power or lasting long enough to suit your needs, it may be time to start looking for a replacement laptop battery.

Since laptops initially come with their batteries included, you may never have shopped for laptop batteries before. If that is the case, the prospect of replacing your battery might be intimidating. There are almost numberless options of laptop batteries on the market, and, as you may know, installing the wrong battery can damage your computer. Even with these complications, there's no need to worry. With some simple tips, we can help you find exactly the battery you need.

Avoid Refurbished Laptop Batteries

Many retailers offer used, "refurbished" laptop batteries. The price on these batteries might be lower than buying them new, but so are their quality in power capability and life span. Use and time wear out laptop batteries, and the technology to rejuvenate them fully simply does not exist. You will get overall better value with new, unused laptop batteries.

Laptop Batteries and Warranty Coverage

As is the case with many electronic products, it's a good idea to have warranty coverage on new laptop batteries. You will be comparing prices between retailers as you shop for your replacement laptop batteries, but also compare warranties. Warranties on laptop batteries can vary a great deal in length, so shop for the longest coverage period you can find.

Using Model Numbers to Choose Laptop Batteries

Each laptop model, whatever brand it may be, is identified by a unique model number. When you initially shopped for your computer you probably compared different models of the same brand to see which model's features would best fit your needs. Capabilities and programs vary between models, and so do the types of laptop batteries that they take. Therefore, it is important to find replacement laptop batteries that are compatible not only the brand of your notebook computer but also its model number.

Technology Levels for Laptop Batteries

Just as computing technology has developed rapidly over the years, so too has the technology involved in laptop batteries. The newest type of laptop battery technology available is lithium-ion (Li-ion). More recent notebook computers probably have Li-ion batteries. If your computer is older, it may use one of the older types of laptop batteries: nickel cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). It's important to be familiar with the technology levels of laptop batteries as you shop for a new one because they are generally not interchangeable. A computer that uses a NiCd battery probably will not work with a Li-ion battery. Check what type of technology your current laptop battery uses and find a replacement battery of the same type.

Buying Brand-Specific Laptop Batteries

Whatever the brand of laptop that you own, we have tips for finding the right replacement battery for it. Check out the laptop batteries buying guide specific to your brand.