Tips on Choosing Replacement Laptop Batteries

Battery life is one of the most important things to consider in any electronic device. Laptops use a lot of power, so the quality of laptop batteries affects how long you can use your computer and how many programs you can run. If your laptop battery isn't lasting as long as it used to or you find yourself charging more often, it may be time to replace it. Here are some tips for finding quality, compatible laptop batteries as a replacement.

Choosing Laptop Batteries:

1. Battery capacity: Laptop batteries will typically list their capacities in milliamp hours (mAh). A higher mAh rating means the battery will take longer to drain, giving your laptop a longer charge. Typically, laptop batteries will have 5000 mAh or more.

2. Compare your old battery: When comparing new laptop batteries, it will be useful to look at the specifications of your old battery. Laptop batteries drain at different rates, depending on how many programs you are running and what type of components your computer uses. Compare the mAh rating of your old battery to new ones you look at. If you want the same battery life or better from your new laptop battery, make sure it's rated at least as high as the old one.

3. Battery materials: Lithium-ion is a fairly standard material for laptop batteries and other electronics. Lithium-ion has a good power-to-weight ratio and has no memory effect like some other battery materials.

4. Prolonging battery life: It's better not to store lithium-ion laptop batteries when they are completely dead. Plug your laptop in soon after the battery dies, or don't let it die at all. Laptop batteries deteriorate faster when used at high temperatures, also. Using your laptop with computer accessories, like a lap desk with a cooling fan, can help prolong battery life.