Laptop Batteries Buying Guide
A Laptop is a convenient and flexible PC for various work, but one with an underperforming battery can be highly inconvenient. Whether having issues with a laptop battery that drains faster or simply looking for a laptop battery replacement service to enhance laptop performance this piece is for you. This detailed guide aims at diving into everything you need to know about laptop batteries.
What are the types of Laptop Batteries?
Laptop batteries are in four main categories. They include: Lithium-ion (Li-on), Nickel Cadmium(NiCad), Lithium Polymer(LiPo), and Nickel Metal Hydride(NiMH).
The most commonly used laptop batteries are the Li-on batteries due to their balance in power output and weight. Their performance is also top notch and they are highly reliable compared to other types.
The Lipo laptop batteries are suited for ultra-thin laptop types. They are also lightweight and possess a very high power density. The Nicad and NiMH batteries are less common as their features are less desirable
5 signs you need to replace your Laptop battery
Usually, a faulty laptop can only be diagnosed by a professional as it can be difficult to point out the issues. But sometimes there are ways that your laptop behaves that signify battery failure or issues.
- Little use time
A laptop battery dying much sooner than usual might signify the need to replace the battery. Averagely a laptop usually lasts a maximum duration maximum depending on programs in use. If a laptop is barely past some average hours it might be time to get a new one.
- Unexpected issues with power
Repeated occurrences of your Mac or PC powering off unexpectedly may signify a faulty battery. This is especially true if it does not normally behave like this. Try charging the laptop and if the problem persists it may be a permanent damage and thus need for battery replacement.
- Slow charging
A laptop that charges very slowly may indicate battery faultiness. A healthy laptop battery usually can charge quickly and retain power when disconnected from its charger. If it is charging exceptionally slow and does not retain power it may need a laptop battery replacement.
- Overheating
Laptops are designed to automatically cool themselves when in use as they usually dispel a lot of heat. An excessively hot laptop when touched means an overworking battery as it is unable to cool itself. Persistent overheating of the laptop may indicate a need for a laptop battery replacement.
- Battery Age
Generally, a good laptop battery will last for at least two years which is approximately 300-400 charges. Sometimes power issues with the laptop may be due to the age of the laptop. Hence the need to get a new laptop battery for replacement.
- System report
A random check on the overall health of the laptop may also give a hint on the performance of the laptop. Mac laptops usually give an automatic battery service warning when it senses a faulty battery. Depending on the message generated on the laptop, others can determine whether it is time for a replacement. For other brands like Asus, Lenovo, Dell, Toshiba, HP, or Acer there is usually a way of checking on the system.
Selecting Laptop replacement batteries
Different laptops will need different battery models, brands, and types for efficient functionality. When choosing a new battery, here are some factors that you can put into consideration to get one suited for your Laptop.
- Voltage
When selecting a laptop battery online or in the shop ensure that the voltage matches the requirement of your laptop. A battery with the wrong voltage can potentially ruin your laptop.
- Brand and quality
If possible stick to brands that are reputable or one that is recommended by the manufacturer of your laptop. Usually, quality batteries have advanced features and hence do not face such issues as overheating.
- Review and Ratings
Before settling for a particular battery type, try reading the reviews that other customers left on that particular website. This can provide the needed information on the reliability and performance of the battery.
- Aftermarket or OEM
Laptop battery replacement options are usually Aftermarket batteries which are manufactured by third parties or Original Equipment Market that are produced by the original manufacturers of the laptop. OEMs are usually preferable due to their compatibility but are quite costly. On the other hand, Aftermarket brands are less costly and those that are from reputable brands can potentially provide reliable battery alternatives.
- Warranty
When purchasing a replacement laptop battery in Kenya. Consider the warranty of the battery. Long warranties are usually an indication of confidence in the battery’s durability.
- Compatibility
The first and most important thing to check when choosing a laptop battery replacement is the model and the make. Each laptop brand has its specific brand and model, for instance, HP laptop battery replacements are only suited for HP laptops, the same case for Acer laptop batteries and others.
- Installation and Calibration
For a new replaced battery to work optimally, ensure that the calibration instructions and installation procedures given by the manufacturers are followed.
- Capacity
Checking the laptop battery capacity is also a very important factor. It’s measured in watt-hours or milliampere-hours(mAh). The higher the capacity the longer the battery life. So, choose one that suits your usage, a laptop used for heavy resource programs or extended hours should go for high-capacity batteries.
FAQS( Frequently Asked Questions on Laptop Batteries)
- How will I know which laptop battery to purchase?
To find the correct battery for your PC, check the battery model number on the old battery in the laptop.
- What is the reason for my laptop battery draining so fast?
Laptop batteries usually drain due to different reasons. The most common reason is usually multitasking and programs that are resource and power-intensive. Additionally, running browser tabs or applications is a resource at the same time.
- Is it worth replacing or buying a laptop battery?
Yes, replacing the battery is usually more cost-efficient than buying a whole laptop. And also, if the main aim is performance improvement then it’s worthy.
- How long does a laptop battery last?
Approximately a laptop battery will last about 3-5 hours depending on usage.
- What is the cost of replacing a Laptop battery in Kenya?
Different laptop battery brands are priced differently. On average it costs between 3000- 10,000 to replace a laptop battery in Nairobi. Buy the best Laptop battery online at My Gadgets Kenya World at affordable prices.
- Can I replace a laptop battery myself?
Yes, you can. Replacing a laptop battery is usually easy and fast. If finding it difficult especially for inbuilt batteries, contact a professional.
- How do I keep my laptop battery healthy?
To maximize the laptop battery’s health and extend its performance and life, always try to keep the level of the battery between 20% to 80%. Also, avoid using the device for a short time and plugging in the charger. This usually leads to battery faultiness.