Three Major Types of Laptop Batteries

Modern laptops can carry three types of batteries: NiCd, NiMH, and LiON. Each type is represented by four letters that seem very confusing, but they represent the evolution of laptop batteries and can show you how to choose the correct one. Each one has certain pros and cons, but the market certainly has chosen its winner.

NiCd stands for Nickel Cadmium batteries. These batteries were the first rechargeable ones to be introduced into laptops. NiCd batteries have since started to disappear from many models, because of the inefficiency and weight. If you purchase an older model that does have an NiCd battery, there is no true problem with it. It'll just be a bit heavier. Truthfully, NiCd batteries are very versatile, have high power outputs, and are relatively cheaper than other ones, but it's harder to find.

NiMH stands for Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. These were the first to introduce the dreaded "memory effect", which can cause a laptop to think that the power is out when, in fact, there is 20% left. NiMH batteries revolutionized laptops, improving output, cost, stability, and capacity. The single problem of the memory effect caused this type of battery to be taken out of future models; however, many laptops still have NiMH because the change to LiON has just begun.

LiON stands for Lithium Ion batteries, which are the latest and most popular type of battery. They are the lightest batteries, and also removed the idea of memory effect. Nearly all of the major laptop manufacturers will sell laptops that have LiON batteries. It is, however, the most expensive out of the three, but many consumers believe that the reliability of this battery outweighs the cost. When you purchase a laptop, be sure to check of the battery type. There are certain conditions that you should follow for each type, especially the NiMH battery. If you take care of an LiON battery like you would do so for a NiMH battery by discharging it, your laptop might not work much longer. LiON batteries are not meant to be discharged because there is no memory effect. The plus side to all of this is that there is a simple rule: new laptops have LiON, while older ones will have NiMH. NiCd batteries are tough to find nowadays. The three major types of laptop batteries measure the progression of laptops.