An external battery pack can replace a laptop's internal battery, or extend the running time when used together with the internal battery. Popular brands include APC, Maplin, Lenmar and Tekkeon (myPower).
Notebook batteries are specific to each model. Even different models from the same brand can't share batteries. As batteries for old laptops become more scarce, users will have to start looking for alternative solutions to power their PCs.
How External Batteries Work
External batteries plug into the notebook's DC input socket, just like the notebook's own AC power supply. The notebook thinks it is getting power from its normal AC power supply unit, not realizing that it is actually a battery.
Since the notebook doesn't know it is running on a battery, its power saving mode will not be triggered. To enable power saving, the notebook's settings for AC or mains external supply should be modified.
One external battery can be used to power many different models of notebooks, even those from different manufacturers, as long as the voltages are matched. To support different models of computers, the output voltage and the plug can be changed. As a bonus, most external batteries will have a 5 volt USB socket to charge cellphones and MP3 players.
The external battery is recharged by plugging into the mains AC wall socket.
Battery Packs With AC Output
Some external battery packs use an inverter to output 110 to 120 volts (220 to 240 volts in some countries) AC mains power. The notebook's normal AC power supply unit can therefore be plugged into the external battery pack just like a normal AC socket.
This reduces compatibility problems, but increases weight (the notebook's AC power supply needs to be carried) and reduces available battery capacity. This is because power is lost during the conversion of DC to AC, then AC back to DC.
How to Use an External Battery
External batteries can be used to replace the internal battery: by removing the dead internal battery and plugging in the external battery such as Compaq Presario R3000 battery(Compaq r3000 battery), Compaq Presario X6000 battery, Hp Pavilion ZV5000 battery(Hp zv5000 battery), Hp Pavilion ZV6000 battery(Hp zv6000 battery), Hp Pavilion DV1000 battery(Hp dv1000 battery), Hp PF723A battery, Hp 367759-001 battery and Hp PM579A battery. The internal battery is removed so that energy is not wasted charging a dead battery.
An external battery can also be used with a working internal battery, to extend the running time of the notebook.
The external battery can be used to charge a flat internal battery. This is convenient but energy is wasted charging the internal battery.
It is more efficient to remove the internal battery and let the external battery power the laptop directly.
One alternative is to connect the external battery right from the start, when the internal battery is still fully charged. This way energy is not spent charging the internal battery, and there is no need to go to the trouble of removing the internal battery.
How to Choose an External Laptop Battery
The DC voltage and the electrical plug (sometimes called "tips") need to match (see photograph below for an example of a tip).
If a computer is not on the list of compatible models, details of the voltage and electrical plug need to be checked. Even if some models of a brand are supported, it doesn't mean that other models of the same brand will match.
The computer and the external battery should be tested together in the shop before purchase. Some external batteries do not output the exact voltage required, having only two fixed output voltages. For example, an external battery might output only 14 volts or 20 volts. It is switched to 14 volts to power a 16 volt notebook. This may or may not work, which is why testing is required.
For best results the external battery should be able to output different voltages in steps of one volt (12v, 13v, 14v, 15v, 16v etc). Unfortunately not all external batteries are capable of this.
External Battery Limitations
External batteries use the same lithium-ion technology as internal batteries. They will have similar:
Cost.
Capacity (a few hours, maybe only 1 or 2 depending on battery capacity and notebook size; manufacturers' battery-life estimates are often optimistic).
Recharge time (a few hours).
Lifespan (a few years).
External batteries are useful but are not the answer to all problems. Computer users will still have to:
Deal with weight issues (an external battery means more weight).
Save power by reducing screen brightness and reducing the CPU clock speed with power saving software.
Using small low-power netbooks (small notebooks with 9 or 10 inch screens) is one way to maximize available battery power. If weight is not an issue, a car battery jump starter pack (with an inverter) can be used to power a laptop for hours.
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