Computer & Laptop Batteries
When choosing a battery for computer usage, it's important to look at features that make the battery and the device perform well. Browse Staples to find a battery for computer use that is compatible with your machine.
How Do You Know When to Get a New Battery for a Computer?
Laptop batteries degrade over time and with usage. There are a few signs to keep an eye out for so you’ll know when it’s nearing time to get a new laptop battery.
- Overheating - If your device is frequently hot to the touch and the fan turns on often, your battery is getting too hot and should be replaced.
- Shortened battery life - A full charge should power your laptop for at least six hours. If your battery does not supply this, it’s time for a new one.
- Not charging - If your device won’t charge at all and troubleshooting this issue doesn’t resolve it, you need a new battery.
- Unexpected shutdowns - Shutdowns that occur without warning and happen regularly can be due to poor battery performance.
- Replacement warnings - Many systems will let you know when your battery needs to be replaced.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a New Computer Battery?
There are several advantages to getting a replacement battery for your computer, including:
- You’ll be able to use your laptop for a longer without plugging it in
- Your device won’t have to work as hard or overheat
- Your laptop will likely be faster with a new battery
- You can extend the life of your machine for an affordable price, which is often cheaper than just buying a new one
Types of Batteries for Computers
There are external laptop batteries that can be used as backups, and there are also internal batteries that act as replacements. There are three main types of replacement laptop batteries to know about.
Lithium-Ion
This is the most common type of battery for computers. It is lightweight and provides superior performance over other types of batteries. It also charges faster and is more environmentally friendly. Another benefit is that it doesn’t have the “memory effect” issue. This can happen if a battery is repeatedly charged before all of its stored energy is depleted which can cause the battery to “memorize” the decreased life cycle.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
While this is a slightly older style of battery, it is slightly superior to the NiCAD, as it holds a charge a little longer. It is, however, affected by the memory effect issue.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad)
This is an outdated type of battery that isn’t used very often. It greatly suffers from the memory effect issue, even more than NiMH.
How Do You Know Which Computer Battery to Buy?
The simplest way is to take the computer battery out and check the label. For devices without easily removable batteries, you can use software to find out. You can also check with the manufacturer to make sure you have accurate information and you can find out about recalls this way.
If you have an NiMH or NiCAD battery, you should check to see if you can replace it with a lithium-ion battery instead. You can replace your battery with one from the manufacturer of your device, or you can use a third-party product. These manufacturers can include Dell, Lenovo, Acer and more.