Why Are Laptop Batteries So Bad?
If you are like most people with laptops you know that they are only as portable as the nearest outlet. The companies advertise like their laptop batteries make these machines so that they can go anywhere with you and there will be no problem but there is a problem. You only have a couple hours max of normal word processing type use and then you are toast unless you either have a backup battery or you can plug in somewhere and recharge. The other problem is that lots of places that you go and that you would love to use a laptop at arent able to supply outlets to everyone and so you are up a creek as they say.
So my main question for this piece is why are laptop batteries so bad? To answer this question I am going to do a quick search on the internet and try to quickly glean as much information as I can in the next few minutes and then I will proceed to pack it in to the next 2 paragraphs or so. Here I go.
Well we will start with what most batteries are made of and that is Lithium Ion cells (older laptop batteries were made of nickel cadmium). These batteries have several advantages including no memory and no scheduled cycling (That does not mean however that it is a good idea to repeatedly run your battery dead). These batteries are therefore low maintenance. However because their cell oxidation can not be reversed through cycling there is a definite and short lifespan for these batteries. This turns out to be around two to three years and is not necessarily lengthened by not using as oxidation goes on in the form of self discharge even when stored.
Now it is recommended that one stores the battery at about 40% capacity and in a cool place. The 40% capacity gives it the ability to self discharge slowly without going all the way dead (which is bad for these laptop batteries, if you recall). These batteries will oxidize more slowly in cooler temperatures which prolongs the life. These power cells are not meant for long term storage as already mentioned because the self discharge will drain it sometimes to the point of no return.
The reason why these new laptop batteries are so much more expensive than they used to be is because they require an internal circuit that prevents it from overcharging. Overcharging can cause the battery to heat up and actually burst into flames.
Which Laptop battery is right for you?
The short answer is: Whichever type fits your laptop.
Laptop batteries vary according to the model and type of laptop computer for which theyve been designed. All laptop batteries do, however, share some common characteristics that differentiate them from regular household batteries:
Laptop batteries are rechargeable
They are composed of multiple internal cells
Within each laptop battery is a small printed circuit board
Shape and location of terminals differ from model to model.
As is the case with all batteries, laptop batteries create an electrochemical reaction, forcing a stream of electrons from one position to another. Also like other batteries, laptop batteries have positive and negative terminals that receive and send electrons.
Rechargeable batteries are more complex, however, than standard batteries. This is because the electrochemical reaction that provides power must be reversible. Care has to be taken when recharging them to ensure they perform at their best.
Frank McLarnon, Lawrence Berkley labs staff scientist explains it this way to Scientific American.com:
"When a battery is discharged, an electrochemical oxidation reaction proceeds at the negative electrode, and an electrochemical reduction reaction occurs at the positive electrode. When one attempts to recharge a battery by reversing the direction of electric current flow, the opposite takes place: a reduction reaction proceeds at the negative electrode, and an oxidation reaction takes place at the positive electrode.
In the case of the rechargeable battery, the electrochemical oxidation-reduction reactions are reversible at both electrodes. In the case of the non-rechargeable battery, when one attempts to recharge the battery by reversing the direction of electron current flow, at least one of the electrochemical oxidation-reduction reactions is not reversible. When the battery is charged, the overall reduction reaction that proceeds at the negative electrode may not be the true reverse of the oxidation reaction that proceeded when the battery was discharged.
If the laptop battery process isn't exact, then unwanted build up can take place on either terminal over time, which can cause a dangerous short-circuit.
It is so important to ensure that your laptop battery or notebook battery is the one designed for your particular model and type. Only buy Dell laptop batteries for a Dell laptop computer, Gateway arent compatible with Compaq laptop batteries and Toshiba laptop batteries wont sit well in a Sony.
It is also wise to remember that old adage: You get what you pay for.
Some companies offer used cheap laptop batteries for sale, saying that they have refurbished each battery and restored most of its useful life. The fallacy of this is that, although possible to refurbish a second-hand laptop battery, the cost to do so would be more than the price of a new battery. So, Buyer beware, and if you must buy discount laptop batteries, buy new discounted batteries.
Laptop computers are a boon to business, large and small. As a wise person is just about to say: Look after your laptop and it will look after you.
Toshiba Laptops Offer some Surprising Features
Toshiba laptops are always worth considering when looking for a laptop for yourself or a family member. In addition to a great product Toshiba actually stands behind their products offering great service even after the sell. Toshiba laptops are competitively priced and have constantly evolving technology that can hold its own as work laptops as well as gaming platforms.
If youve been in the market for laptops for very long, youve probably found that there is often very little to set one company apart from another. They all offer something that seems similar on the outside; however, when you look at the history of certain companies you may find that not all computer makers are equal.
The Toshiba Portege is one computer that has set itself apart from almost all other laptops. It offers the functionality of notebook with the convenient added features of a tablet PC. If you havent checked out the tablet PCs on the market today, you may wish to do so and while youre at it, compare the features of the Portege which combines a Toshiba laptop with a tablet PC in order to create a truly extraordinary computer experience.
No matter what your specific needs in a laptop, whether you need a machine that is excellent for gaming, offers superior business functionality, or has upgraded security measures, Toshiba laptops have something spectacular to offer. In this day and age of companies not standing behind their products, isnt it great to know that there are companies such as Toshiba that truly stand behind the products they create.
Toshiba laptops may not be the best in the industry, but they have a diverse range and are an excellent value for the price. If you are in the market for a laptop you would do well to seriously consider the laptops that Toshiba has to offer.
The Cost To Rent A Laptop Computer
Laptop computer rental prices vary by length of time, location, specification and product availability. Monthly computer rentals cost less per day than daily rentals. Typically desktop computers rent for less money than notebook or laptop computers.
Period of Time Daily, Weekly and Monthly Rates
"Monthly rentals typically are around 225, but still dependent upon specification, availability and delivery location."
In most places, computer rental rates are based on daily, weekly and or a monthly rates. Tech Travel Agents, who book computer rental reservations worldwide, report that Pentium 4 desktop computer rentals start at approximately 149 per week in most markets in the United States and Canada. Based upon computer specification, availability and location required, prices can be 20% to 35% lower or higher.
Delivery Location: Office Building or Convention Center
Business address deliveries are generally less expensive than delivering to a convention center. Often business addresses have close-in parking and easy access to the delivery install area. A convention center complex requires a concerted effort from both the rental company and the company receiving the equipment at the convention center. Often convention center deliveries are more time consuming and costly to deliver, install and pickup afterwards.
Computer Rental Unit Specification
Normally a laptop computer rental consists of an Intel Pentium 4, Computer running Windows XP. Standard RAM is 256 to 512mb, 30gb or larger hard drives. Higher computer specifications cost more to rent. For example: if you require advanced graphic cards, more ram, a different operating system or software installed, computer rental rates will increase.
Be sure to include your computer specification, delivery location and datetime:
Intel Centrino Wi-Fi Wireless Laptop with Microsoft Windows
Intel Pentium 4 High Value Desktop Computer Rental
Technology Rental Equipment is a Commodity subject to Market Forces
Supply and demand issues come into play in the computer rental business too. Supply can be affected by the number of competitors and total computer rental units (known as a rental pool) in a given market area. Having a Tech Travel Agent book your technology rental needs means you will always get the equipment you need. You are not dependent on one single equipment vendor. Tech Travel Agents obtain equipment via large technology pools from multiple sources across the US, Canada and Europe.
Upgrade to Large Plasma Display Rentals
This century, the rental industry is more complex and dynamic than last. New product innovations such as 82 plasma flat screen displays, and dual core processors, are available for rent. More complex products mean better corporate events. If you are still using an old notebook to run your PowerPoint presentation, consider stepping up to the most modern technology with products from computer rental firms.
Rent for Projects and Save
Renting is perfect for companies hiring temporary employees, attending conferences, tradeshows, providing computer training and engaged in accountingfinance projects. These companies realize lower costs, less use of capital, and no maintenance and write-off expenses.
Relax, let your Tech Travel Agent handle it!
Enjoy your trade show, conference or training program.
Refurbished Laptops Are They For You?
Refurbished laptops are popular choices for those who need a new laptop, but do not want to spend a lot of money. Refurbished and used are not the same though. A used laptop usually means that a private individual is selling their computer for some reason. Often, there are no guarantees. A refurbished laptop is one that is certified for resale and usually offers some sort of guarantee or warranty.
When buying a refurbished laptop, you will be looking for one will many of the same features and qualities of a new laptop. Consider the size of laptop you are looking for before making a purchase. If you will carry your laptop with you on travels or on business trips, research the smaller, lightweight laptop versions. This will usually be much easy to carry than the larger sized laptops. Also, when looking at refurbished laptop computers, think about the size of memory you will require.
Many of the lower priced laptops come with minimal amounts of memory. That may be fine if all you need from your computer is very basic web access and data processing. If you need to store large amounts of documents, videos or pictures, look into getting a laptop with a larger amount of memory.
The other thing to consider when looking for a refurbished laptop is the speed of the computer. Laptops are generally a bit slower than desktop computers, but with new technology, a good laptop can be just as fast. If you are considering a refurbished laptop, make sure that its features can be upgraded if necessary.
It is important to remember that refurbished laptops are generally a better risk than buying a used computer. Used computers usually have no guarantee and what you buy is what you get. Refurbished laptops are carefully repaired and are certified for resale. These laptops have been thoroughly examined and inspected for worn and damaged parts. This means that in theory, you get a new laptop and a fraction of the cost. Also, refurbished laptops usually come with a warranty or guarantee making them a wise buy for consumers concerned with the quality.
Refurbished laptops can be purchased several ways. There are many online dealers who sell certified refurbished laptops. Often these dealers purchase and refurbish products by the lot which makes them able to sell them to the consumer for a lower price. Also, check with manufacturers. Many times, if you are looking for a specific brand, they can recommend authorized sellers of their refurbished equipment. This is often a good way to get exactly what you are looking for and know for certain it is being purchased from a reputable dealer.
Before you purchase any refurbished laptop, it is highly recommended to make sure you know whom you are dealing with. Be aware of computer dealers that you do not know or cannot verify they are a genuine company. Refurbished laptops are often the target of sales on the black market and are often found to be stolen goods. If the dealer does not offer a warranty, consider purchasing the computer from somewhere else.
Laptops To Own Or Not To Own?
I have owned a laptop off and on for a number of years. Due to battery life and accessibility, they have just not been a cost-effective solution for work or pleasure. That is until recently.
Last fall, I purchased a Dell Inspiron 700m laptop primarily for work. It has been the best computer investment I have ever made and I have five computers in my home (Note: I am writing this sitting in the passenger seat of our family SUV after visiting Grandma.).
This is not a commercial for Dell. This is about laptops in general and the minimum specifications you should look for if considering a purchase. Keep in mind, advances are constantly occurring and the technology here will be outdated soon. Use this guide as a minimum starting point.
To me, the biggest concern or problem with a laptop has been its portability portability meaning the battery is needed. You absolutely have to have a computer with Centrino Mobile Technology. The Centrino technology allows my battery to power my notebook for up to four hours! Four hours!
With four hours of computer time, you need to be able to access the Internet (Thank you Al Gore). That is where WiFi comes in. Of course you want your laptop to have the modem and cable adaptors, for online hookup, but it would be an absolute crime if you didnt get WiFi capability. WiFi is nothing more than having a wireless Internet connection, thus no cables or plugs for the laptop.
Third, you want to have as light weight of a laptop as you can without sacrificing keyboard size. This makes it that much easier to carry around and you will find yourself carrying it around more frequently.
Fourth, you want a CDDVD recorder on board and at least two USB ports. The CDDVD player allows you to watch movies or backup important information. The USB ports allow you to hook up peripherals such as cameras, printers, etc.
Last, but not least, are the other things you need to make your laptop perform as good as its big brother. You want at least 256 RAM (I recommend 512), a 30 GB hard drive (I recommend 60 GB) and a screen and keyboard size that fits you.
Good luck!