Thursday, December 24, 2009

How To Get Ultimate Performance From Laptop Batteries And Chargers - by Jared Markham

If you own a laptop computer, it is very important to have a high quality battery and charger. This will ensure that your laptop functions for as long as possible when you are using it in portable mode. This article will provide information about laptop batteries and chargers.
Most laptop batteries can last between 3-5 hours, depending on what programs you are running and what functions you are doing on the laptop. The main priority when buying a battery is to make sure that it is compatible with your particular laptop. Many people make the mistake of buying generic batteries and then get frustrated when the power suddenly dies.

Therefore before you buy the battery, you must know your laptop's model number. If your laptop is loaded with programs that have lots of functions and graphics, this needs to be taken into consideration. Likewise, if you are someone who does a lot of downloading and uploading, you will need a really high quality battery.

New laptop batteries are available in two types - lithium ion and lithium polymer. You should charge new batteries every 14-16 hours. Take care not to overcharge the batteries because this will reduce their life-span.

If you buy an older nickel cadmium battery, it is important that you do not re-charge it until it is completely 'dead'. If you make the mistake of continually topping up, the battery's memory will be disrupted. It will 'think' that it is not capable of lasting for as long as it should.

You can recharge your laptop's batteries via an AC connection. This allows a small amount of electricity to trickle into the battery. The advantage of this method is that the laptop's battery will be automatically re-charged when you disconnect the laptop. The other method of re-charging is to use an external charger, like your mobile phone.

If you use an external charger, avoid advertiser's claims that the batteries can be fully charged in seven hours. Charging batteries at this rate can damage them permanently. Rather buy a charger that has a tried and trusted reputation. Battery chargers are expensive so make sure you don't waste your money.

To extend the life of your laptop batteries, do not let the temperature inside your laptop rise above 45 degrees Celsius. In extreme heat the battery's cells will begin to oxidize and cause permanent damage. You can avoid this by making sure you don't leave your laptop in a hot car. And don't use your laptop in hot conditions.

If you want your laptop to perform efficiently, don't fall into the trap of buying small, lightweight batteries. These are designed to last for around 90 minutes only. Laptops are known to consume power quickly so rather buy larger and heavier batteries that will give you optimum functionality.

Finally, to recap on the best ways to keep your laptop in tip-top condition, remember firstly to buy a battery that is suited to your laptop model. Don't expose your laptop to extremely hot conditions. And be sure to use a charger that will not damage your batteries.


About the Author
Jared Markham is an expert in batteries for most electronic devices. Currently running an internet-based battery company, www.allstarbatteries.com, he has a lot of experience in laptop, cordless phone and cell phone batteries and chargers.

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