External laptop batteries are a super choice when you want to maximise the operating time of Your laptop. These batteries will let you to run your computer for 2 to 3 times more than the battery that was supplied with your computer. These batteries are getting more popular with both consumers and professional people.

These battery packs are also called universal laptop batteries because they are able to supply power to an array of unique computers. This is because they are able to output more than one voltage and because they are supplied with a variety of adaptors that are able to connect to the power terminal of different computers.

Lithium-ion and lithion polymer are the two types of rechargeablebattery chemistries that are typically found in these larger battery packs. They are utilized because they can store more power per weight than some of the previous technologies. These chemistries are now mainstream in the rechargeable battery industry because their cost is similar to the forerunner technologies.

The storage capacity of external laptop batteries is specified in kilowatt-hours (KWh). Best-selling versions of these battery packs are generally rated anywhere from 50 to 150 Kwh. This will supplement the laptop computers on-board battery and provides an additional 4 to 12 hours of running time. This will greatly depend on the size of the external battery pack and the power requirements of the laptop computer. These consumer geared batteries can be found at discount prices in the $100-$200 range. Commercial versions of these batteries offer two or three times the electrical capacity, but at a cost that is beyond what most consumers are willing to pay.

When choosing an universal laptop battery, you must make sure that a power adapter is supplied that will fit the port on your laptop computer. Chargers that are supplied with these extended battery packs terminate with a plug that is particular to the battery manufacturer. The adapter is coupled to this plug and changes over to an end that matches with the computer’s power port.

As previously stated, these external laptop battery packs are able to output a variety of different voltages. This is selectable by a switch on the battery housing. It is critical that one of these output voltages match the voltage requirement of your computer. The amp rating of these battery packs must either equal or exceed the amperage requirement of your computer or it will be unable to provide power to it. Your computer’s voltage and amperage requirements can be found in your user’s manual.

Besides being able to provide power to your computer, many of these external battery packs can also provide power to your portable DVD players, cell phones and digital cameras. If this is a feature that is wanted by you, you will need to make sure that a special connector or a USB connector is included or available.

These batteries also offer the versatility of being able to operate in countries that have 240 volt electricity. This is a nice feature for the foreign traveler. Many of these batteries can also be charged from a 12 V DC power supply such as an automobile battery.

So if you want to expand your computer’s running time when you are away from a power outlet, think about an external laptop battery. Check out the various options of these different batteries and weigh them in your buying decision. More information on external laptop batteries can be found at the author’s website, as well as a variety of tips and advice regarding replacement laptop batteries.