Replacement laptop batteries have become very popular in recent years, especially with the up rise of the internet and the ease of eCommerce shopping. Replacement batteries are often times of equal or greater capacity than the original equipment manufacturers, and are sold for significantly lower prices. This has lead to the widespread use of replacement laptop batteries, rather than OEM laptop batteries.
Oftentimes you will be using your laptop and when you really need it your battery will fail on you. This will cause you to lose any unsaved work and can become very frustrating. To avoid this problem you should understand your battery and how everything you do affects its lifespan.
Everyone likes to hear or read the ads saying that the battery has a lifespan "Up to", "As long as", or "Nearly". These statements can be misleading and may cause a lot of hardship and headaches. The worst is the magic phrase, "This battery holds thirty hours of charge!" yet in reality, the battery only lasts ten hours with normal, active use.
So how can we trust the industry, with so much deception? By looking at the manufacturer, reading reviews, and looking at the battery's rating. What do we mean by a battery's rating? Fortunately, most batteries utilize a standard rating system to ensure all ratings are equivalent.
For instance, an MP3 player such as the iPod has a playback time of 12 hours for music and six hours for video. When shopping for a car, you see the car's city and highway miles per gallon. These are used throughout all car manufacturers as a standard measurement. Cell phones have a talk time of four hours with three hundred hours standby. All these have a standard measurement system in place, yet laptop batteries are deceiving.
Laptop batteries have never officially adapted a standard of measurement until recently. In 2007 MobileMark created a measurement standard that started all these "up to" numbers. These numbers are misleading because they do not accurately represent the batteries and can be used to inflate a battery's life.
One of the major problems that lead to the tests inaccuracy is that is was created by a trade group led by Intel, composed mainly of computer and computer chip manufacturers. This seems a bit biased if you ask me. Why have the manufacturers create the rating system, when the obviously want what is in their best interest.
Another big downfall is that the MobileMark does not reflect real life use of the computer. For example, the test calls for the screens brightness to be set at 60 nits, where as the typical computer uses between 250 to 300 nits; meaning the tests only represents a laptop being used at 20% to 25% full usage. The test also ignores optional, but frequently used battery drainers, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
So now that we know the measurements are inaccurate, how do we properly judge a laptops battery lifespan? We must read user reviews and see what other customers have to say about the product. This is the best way to know and be ready for your purchase.
Most laptop batteries are sufficient with their lifespan, although there are ways to increase it or at least have it performing at peak capabilities. The most important thing is to have your replacement battery configured to your laptop properly. Also, optimize the computer's power management features to maximize your battery's specifications.
When storing your replacement laptop battery, always try to have it charged at least 70% of its life and do not leave it dormant for more than three months.
Avoid putting your replacement batteries in situations where extreme temperatures, be it hot or cold, are present as it reduces its performance. Hot temperatures can melt the battery, whereas cold temperatures can freeze and damage the battery.
When traveling with your laptop battery do not leave it near metal objects such as coins, magnets, paper clips, etc. as they can short-circuit the battery leading to high heat and or batter leakage.
Unplugging your laptop from the wall occasionally can keep the battery working at its peak performance. This is because you are constantly using the battery and not leaving it alone, which keeps it working properly.
If these steps are followed properly then you can expect your battery to last as long as possible and perform at peak capabilities. In essence, most replacement laptop batteries are as good as OEM batteries when the proper care is taken.
