Learn About Laptop Batteries

What is it?

It is a part that stores power then provides it to the laptop as needed. It enables using the laptop on the go without the need to be plugged to a power outlet. All laptops come with rechargeable batteries. Batteries degrade with time and use. It is expected that your laptop's battery life decreases when the laptop gets older. Modern batteries have controllers that manage their charging and discharging cycles to maximize their life span. As a result, you don't have to worry about unplugging it to avoid damages. Just use it whenever you need it. The controller is taking care of it. Only replace batteries when the battery life becomes too short for your needs.

How does it work?

Batteries work by doing the following (over simplified) steps:

1. Receive power from electrical outlet
2. Store power
3. Provide power when needed

Look for

• Replaceable

  Check if your laptop has a replaceable battery

  Not all laptops come with replaceable batteries. It is better to get a laptop with a replaceable battery to extend it's life.

• Safety

  Make sure to get a good quality battery for your safety and to protect your laptop

  It is extremely important to buy your battery from trusted brands to avoid fires, and damaging expensive components. If it is difficult for you to replace the battery yourself, take it to an authorized service provider. Authorized service providers follow safety practices.

• Battery Life

  Check the battery life of the laptop at your intended use case

  Note that battery life does not depend on battery capacity alone, it also depends on how efficient all the other parts are in the system. Also, battery life varies a lot based on use case.

• Compatibility

  Make sure it is compatible with your laptop

• Cycles

  Check how many cycles the battery is rated for

  Not all batteries degrade at the same rate, hence, they are rated in cycles before they lose a lot of their capacity. The more the cycles the better.

Avoid

• Capacity Comparison

  Avoid comparing laptop battery capacities, instead, focus on battery life

  Battery life does not depend on battery capacity alone, it also depends on how efficient all other parts are in the system. Focus on battery life of the device at your intended use case.

• Unplugging

  Avoid unplugging your battery when you don't need to

  Since batteries degrade with use, it is better to avoid using them when not necessary.

• No name

  Avoid brands with no to little reputation

  It is extremely important to buy your battery from trusted brands to avoid fires, and damaging expensive components.

• Hot Environment

  Avoid putting batteries in hot places

  High temperatures (+35 or more celsius) can cause batteries to degrade faster.

• Cold Environment

  Avoid putting batteries in cold places

  Low temperatures (-1 or less celsius) can cause batteries to degrade faster and not function properly.