New laptops come with their original batteries since most of them are model-specific. The batteries provide an adequate charge to last a couple of hours, depending on your usage. There are many laptop models to choose from, like HP, Lenovo, and Asus. A genuine HP laptop battery offers 500 charge cycles, is high-quality, and is certified to ensure you are entirely safe. Such kind of batteries is what you need for your laptop’s efficiency. In this post, we discuss facts about laptop batteries.
Facts About Laptop Batteries
We look at how laptop batteries operate and the types you can choose from when buying.
1. How Laptop Batteries Operate
Any gadget that uses an electric current has a positive and a negative terminal. It is also true for laptop batteries. An acidic electrolyte reacts with cells within the battery, resulting in an electrochemical reaction. This process causes electrons to move from one point to another; hence, the current flow is initiated. As long as the electrolyte stays acidic, the laptop stays on, but once it becomes basic, it goes off, meaning ions have to be restored into the battery cells through recharging. Once the electrolyte is acidic again, the current flow continues.
2. Types of Laptop Batteries
The three types of laptop batteries are;
a. Lithium-ion Battery
It is the most common type and is suitable for all laptop applications. There is no need to spend hours waiting for it to get full since it’s fast charging and very efficient. The charge time depends on you because the battery doesn’t limit the charge amount to a certain percentage. Unlike other batteries, its power discharge rate is very low; about 1% of power is lost when not used. The charge can last for hours and is perfect for traveling or when required to finish up some work away from a power outlet. It is lightweight, has high energy density, and is environmentally friendly. However, it is flammable if subjected to heat leading to an explosion.
b. Nickel Cadmium
Very few laptops use this battery as it’s suitable for applications that require more power, like medical equipment and video cameras. It has a charge cycle of over 1000, which is more than the standard batteries, which have 350 to 500 cycles. The battery has a memory effect that makes it necessary to discharge it completely before recharging. However, its fast charging and its rate of discharge is high, primarily when not being used.
c. Nickel Metal Hydride
In the past, it was mainly used in laptops but is now being manufactured for satellite applications. However, few laptops still use it due to its high power capacity. Draining it entirely can cause damage; hence you need to recharge it at 50%. It functions well in any zone but has the lowest charge cycles of less than 300. The rate of discharge is high and takes long to charge completely.
Conclusion
It’s advisable to use the laptop’s original battery since they are approved and safe. If you must buy one, then replace it using the right type that works well with your laptop model. Your choice of battery determines how your laptop operates, so choose well.