Key Takeaways
- Most laptops now use lithium-ion batteries due to superior energy density.
- Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride are alternatives, but a sign that you need to upgrade your computer.
- To identify your laptop’s battery type, search online for its model number.
If you’ve got a recent laptop, you probably don’t think about its battery all that much beyond keeping it charged. You might need to worry about replacing it every few years, but only if capacity starts to plummet. Some people upgrade their laptops so frequently for performance reasons that even depleted batteries are a non-issue.
Regardless, it’s good to be aware of the different battery types out there. You don’t want to buy an outdated battery by accident, and if you have an old laptop, it may be possible to upgrade to more efficient technology. In a worst-case scenario, a battery may be incompatible or even dangerous to use with your…
