Laptop battery alternatives
Darius Chang | Apr 01, 2008
By now, you would have learnt how an LG factory fire will affect the laptop battery supply for the next few months and how prices are expected to increase. When contacted, Dell and HP have assured us that they are already planning for alternative sources and, for now, have yet to increase their battery pack prices.
However, laws of supply and demand make it rather clear that we should expect power packs to cost more in the coming months. As such, we take a look at two alternatives to purchasing a laptop cell.
Do you want to live forever?
As you may have guessed, this is the dangerous option which should be attempted only by the very brave or very foolish. How to know which group you fall under? Well, unless you are a trained battery engineer or feel that 10 fingers are too many, you'll probably fall into the latter group.Unless we are looking at Lithium-polymer packs, laptop batteries are really just cases in which multiple Lithium-ion cells are packed into. Hence, it can be taken apart and the internal batteries replaced. Sourcing for replacement cells on the Internet is easy knowing which is the correct cells are a little harder.
After desoldering the charging circuit and replacing the cells, now is the time to pray for two miracles. One, that the first charging attempt doesn't result in an explosion or fire. Two, though there are fresh cells inside, the charging circuit might not be able to detect it and refuse to recognize the entire power capacity. As such, you may be able to get only an additional 20 percent increase over the old battery.
Yes, I believe life is beautiful and valuable
A much safer and sane option is to purchase a universal battery pack. These come in various sizes and capacities. Included in most bundles are charging tips which are compatible with major phone, PDA and laptop brands.The trick, however, is trying to determine if they have a tip for you (we know, bad pun). If your laptop comes from a big-name player, chances are it should be compatible. Otherwise, you will have to test it out personally before putting your money down. The best part about this method is you can use the battery pack for traveling and save on bringing multiple chargers for your electronic gadgets.
Talkback
dariusctc says...
Hi, Yes, we are well aware that the doubling of battery prices is true for the US market, but our focus here is for the Asia Pacific consumer. Since we do not keep records of battery prices, we contacted Dell and HP representatives regarding price increase in this region and their answer was "No".
Apr 01, 2008 22:36
Hi, Yes, we are well aware that the doubling of battery prices is true for the US market, but our focus here is for the Asia Pacific consumer. Since we do not keep records of battery prices, we contacted Dell and HP representatives regarding price increase in this region and their answer was "No".
Apr 01, 2008 22:36
forumsid987 says...
Well I am on dells japan website and an upgrade (not an extra, just an upgrade) from a 6-cell to a 9-cell battery is $239 USD. Are we to assume that prior to the fire this price was the same? I would do a little research into that. Good luck my friend.
Apr 03, 2008 01:41
Well I am on dells japan website and an upgrade (not an extra, just an upgrade) from a 6-cell to a 9-cell battery is $239 USD. Are we to assume that prior to the fire this price was the same? I would do a little research into that. Good luck my friend.
Apr 03, 2008 01:41
forumsid987 says...
And on dell's china website the UPGRADE is $200 USD (1552 HKD) I have quite the feeling that these were not the prices priot to the fire.
Apr 03, 2008 01:44
And on dell's china website the UPGRADE is $200 USD (1552 HKD) I have quite the feeling that these were not the prices priot to the fire.
Apr 03, 2008 01:44
tigervyh says...
Hey forumsid987, chill out man, it's not like the editors here are forcing you to buy a laptop now?! If you are so unhappy about the pricing of these battery upgrades now, wait for a price drop before you get one. Cnet Asia writers are commenting on the situation, they're not selling you the products... But you are right on the pricing, seems Dell's laptop batteries upgrade from a 6-cells to a 9-cells is RM674 for Malaysia Dell, I remember last time it was around the RM200-300 mark. So if you really need a new laptop now, get the default specs with the 6-cells batt, and safe on the upgrade money to get an extra 9-cells or even 12-cells when the battery price drops back?!
Apr 03, 2008 12:43
Hey forumsid987, chill out man, it's not like the editors here are forcing you to buy a laptop now?! If you are so unhappy about the pricing of these battery upgrades now, wait for a price drop before you get one. Cnet Asia writers are commenting on the situation, they're not selling you the products... But you are right on the pricing, seems Dell's laptop batteries upgrade from a 6-cells to a 9-cells is RM674 for Malaysia Dell, I remember last time it was around the RM200-300 mark. So if you really need a new laptop now, get the default specs with the 6-cells batt, and safe on the upgrade money to get an extra 9-cells or even 12-cells when the battery price drops back?!
Apr 03, 2008 12:43
greghiller2 says...
Dear forumsid987, I intensely dislike the rude abusive language you direct here at the Senior Writer on PC's and the like, Mr. Darius Chang. If you have a valid comment to make, please do so in a decent, acceptable manner, and don't show us all such poor, low level, language and behaviour. Mr. Chang's a really exceptionally good and enthousiastic editor at CNET in Singapore, with seemingly a great deal of knowledge. It must be upsetting and really horrible for him; and also a real slap in the face, to have one's kind intentions and goodwill rewarded by such nasty, rude, comments. I myself value the opinions of Mr. Darius Chang very highly indeed, even though I have worked in the computer field since 1968. It may easily be the case that you noticed price fluctuations before the team in Singapore did, but this gives you no perogative what so ever, to be abusive and downright rude to extremely well-meaning CNET staff. I wish here, for the record, to compliment Mr. Chang warmly on the truly fantastic manner he has of communicating with the readers of his articles all over the World, and to thank him very much.
Apr 04, 2008 08:02
Dear forumsid987, I intensely dislike the rude abusive language you direct here at the Senior Writer on PC's and the like, Mr. Darius Chang. If you have a valid comment to make, please do so in a decent, acceptable manner, and don't show us all such poor, low level, language and behaviour. Mr. Chang's a really exceptionally good and enthousiastic editor at CNET in Singapore, with seemingly a great deal of knowledge. It must be upsetting and really horrible for him; and also a real slap in the face, to have one's kind intentions and goodwill rewarded by such nasty, rude, comments. I myself value the opinions of Mr. Darius Chang very highly indeed, even though I have worked in the computer field since 1968. It may easily be the case that you noticed price fluctuations before the team in Singapore did, but this gives you no perogative what so ever, to be abusive and downright rude to extremely well-meaning CNET staff. I wish here, for the record, to compliment Mr. Chang warmly on the truly fantastic manner he has of communicating with the readers of his articles all over the World, and to thank him very much.
Apr 04, 2008 08:02
dariusctc says...
Hi guys, We are still in communication with the various vendors regarding this issue and hopefully they can give us an update. But at the end of the day, you have to decide if the utility of having another cell is worth the price. After all, buying a battery is not an monetary investment. :)
Apr 04, 2008 10:41
Hi guys, We are still in communication with the various vendors regarding this issue and hopefully they can give us an update. But at the end of the day, you have to decide if the utility of having another cell is worth the price. After all, buying a battery is not an monetary investment. :)
Apr 04, 2008 10:41
abetabet2002 says...
Good day to you Mr. Chang Just would like to ask do you have any links as to where i could buy a universal battery pack, I am in the Philippines and it is really hard to find one. My laptop which is not a known brand is only stocked with 4-cell battery pack and doesn't last long. And do you any idea as to how much a universal battery pack usually costs? The company that has my laptop name is selling the 8-cell battery pack. But I would like to find out if I could save more with a universal battery pack. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Apr 04, 2008 18:16
Good day to you Mr. Chang Just would like to ask do you have any links as to where i could buy a universal battery pack, I am in the Philippines and it is really hard to find one. My laptop which is not a known brand is only stocked with 4-cell battery pack and doesn't last long. And do you any idea as to how much a universal battery pack usually costs? The company that has my laptop name is selling the 8-cell battery pack. But I would like to find out if I could save more with a universal battery pack. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Apr 04, 2008 18:16
dariusctc says...
Hi, If there are no retailers selling universal battery packs for laptops near your location, you may want to scour the Internet for online store that will deliver to your country. We can't recommend any specific store, but a simple search should give you sufficient listings for your purchase.
Apr 07, 2008 13:52
Hi, If there are no retailers selling universal battery packs for laptops near your location, you may want to scour the Internet for online store that will deliver to your country. We can't recommend any specific store, but a simple search should give you sufficient listings for your purchase.
Apr 07, 2008 13:52
Hillary says...
I am a fan of Mr Darius Chang too. YAYYYY!
Jul 29, 2008 19:54
I am a fan of Mr Darius Chang too. YAYYYY!
Jul 29, 2008 19:54
Geekonomics says...
LOL @ Hillary :) Darius is a great tech writer!
Jul 29, 2008 20:36
LOL @ Hillary :) Darius is a great tech writer!
Jul 29, 2008 20:36
dariusctc says...
Thanks. I aim but to please. :)
Jul 30, 2008 13:44
Thanks. I aim but to please. :)
Jul 30, 2008 13:44
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forumsid987
I signed up just to tell you what a moron you are. marketplace.publicradio.org... DELL ALREADY INCREASED PRICES, ALMOST TWO FOLD! What world do you writers live in sometimes?
Apr 01, 2008 20:05