One of the major advantages of laptops over desktop computers is their portability. This means that businesspeople and students alike can take their work with them no matter where they are going. However, to be able to actually use the laptop you're carrying around for any significant length of time, it must have a well-functioning battery. Many people take their laptop batteries for granted until they need power and realize the battery is dead and cannot be recharged. If this has happened to you, it likely means that it's time to purchase a new battery. If you shop wisely and take care of your new battery, you will likely be able to avoid the inconvenience of a dead laptop battery in the future.
Laptops typically get their power from lithium-ion batteries. Many older machines, however, operated using nickel-metal hydride or nickel-cadmium batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are able to be recharged rapidly, which helps productivity. Nickel-cadmium batteries are less popular in laptops because they can be toxic and harmful to the environment, whereas the lithium-ion battery is more eco-friendly. The nickel-metal hydride battery has lost popularity as well, because it does not have the charging capacity of the lithium-ion battery.
When shopping for a laptop battery, you should try to locate the battery that will provide you with the longest life possible (you'll also need to make sure that it's compatible with your laptop, of course). You should know the make and model number of your laptop before purchasing a battery. This way you will be able to easily determine by the labels on the package if the battery you are considering is a good one to buy. Keep in mind that most laptops are designed to work with a specific kind of battery technology. It is wise to be aware of the type that your laptop works with when you are shopping.
To get the most out of the battery once you have decided on one, you should condition the battery properly once every three to four weeks. Conditioning requires that you discharge the battery completely and then charge it completely. This practice will help keep the battery at its highest charging capacity.
Be sure to store your laptop battery in a climate-controlled area to prevent it from being exposed to extreme temperatures. If you plan on storing the battery without using it for several months, discharge it to half of its capacity and take it out of the computer.