Samantha Spiegla asked:


If you are among the increasing number of mobile executives who are switching from PCs to laptops, it is inevitable that you will soon face a situation where you will need to educate yourself about laptop batteries. And then, at some point, buy them. Here are some basic guidelines:

Brief Background of Laptop Batteries: The earliest type of battery used the chemicals Nickel Cadmium (NiCd, NiCad), and was very quick to charge and was also able to handle high loads. However, these chemicals are highly toxic. The next generation of batteries, the Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh, NiMH) batteries, now use Nickel and other rare earth metals as its electrodes and Potassium Hydroxide as the electrolyte. These are more environmentally friendly than Nickel Metal Hydride, but suffer from the memory effect, and have a short lifespan. A newer type of battery is the Lithium Ion (LiIon, Li-Ion) powered battery. In spite of being smaller and lighter than NiCd and NiMH batteries, it provides the same capacity. Also, these batteries do not suffer from “memory effect” and have low levels of self-discharging.

The Lithium Polymer Ion Battery: This is the latest type of battery chemistry. Though this behaves in the same way as Lithium Ion, there are some important differences. The Lithium Polymer Ion Battery uses a thin plastic-like film as the electrolyte, resulting in considerably reduced weight, and a greater power to weight ratio than most of the other types. They are used in Universal Laptop Batteries. So this is the type to look for, when you need a new battery for your laptop.

What are Universal Laptop Batteries?: Most of the top manufacturers like Sony, Compaq, fujitsu, Toshiba, Panasonic, Dell, IBM, Lenovo Apple, HP, are providing the Lithium Ion battery technology. The Universal Laptop Batteries, however, use the more advanced Lithium Polymer Ion chemical. A universal battery is just a larger version of the standard laptop battery, and can power virtually any laptop.

The universal batteries are rechargeable – the AC Adapter and power lead are provided by the manufacturer. Also, the manufacturer supplies a number of tips that fit the power supply connector on the laptop. These tips enable the smart electronics embedded in the battery to supply electricity at the correct voltage.

Another plus point in favor of universal laptop batteries is that the continuous usage time is up to 10 hours at a stretch. (Of course, there are variations according to manufacturer and model of the universal laptop battery.)

When do I need a new battery?: You do not necessarily need a new battery only after the current one is completely used up. Some laptop manufacturers offer laptops with expansion slots that will accept a variety of peripherals, including a second battery. This second battery can double your battery life. But, if you are planning to get a lot of work done on that long flight, then it may be time for you to purchase a new laptop battery.

Remember: When buying batteries, ensure that the supplier and the manufacturer are reputable. Be sure that the Supplier/Manufacturer offer full guarantee and warranty. Check the chemistry and dimensions of the universal laptop battery before purchase. And provide the supplier with all the information about your laptop such as the make, the model, the part number, the Voltage and Current ratings (provided in the manual or underside of the laptop) in order that the supplier can assist you with the most suitable battery.



Adan

kevin moshayedi asked:


The alkaline battery may be considered as hazardous waste because of the materials of which they are made. The potassium hydroxide leaking out of the damaged or mishandled alkaline battery may cause severe chemical burns if the substance comes into contact with your skin or eyes. The lead and strong corrosive acids contained in alkaline battery are sure to cause some sort of problem to the environment and water bodies when disposed improperly. Improperly disposed batteries may produce hazardous problems such as causing burns or danger to eyes and skin, polluting lakes and streams when the metals in it vaporize into the air when burned, etc.

Before 1984 alkaline battery contains more mercury. Mercury reduction in batteries began in 1984. Newer alkaline batteries have zero-added mercury. Because of the mercury reduction, some landfill bans of alkaline batteries and recycling programs taking them have ceased. Anyway, it is advisable to dispose the alkaline battery in proper ways. The different ways of disposing the alkaline batteries are as follows:

Remove the worn-out batteries from the equipment immediately and dispose of promptly. Never dispose of batteries in the fire as the batteries can explode and cause injury to you and the environment.

The ways to dispose alkaline batteries are rapidly changing and the civic leaders or sanitation department will be the ones who know the best ways to dispose the batteries. You may call and seek the help and advice of the sanitation department of the community where you live or your local civic leaders. You should always check with your local government health department and solid waste or recycling department before you consider their disposal. When disposing of household alkaline battery, you can also check with your local and State Recycling or Household Hazardous Waste Coordinators.

You may throw the alkaline battery in your household trash. The alkaline batteries manufactured in US after May 1996 is said to contain zero-added mercury and are hence said to be less hazardous to the environment. So, in most parts of the US, the local hazardous waste offices have refused to accept batteries at hazardous waste drop-offs, and they direct people to put the alkaline battery in the regular garbage or household trash as the household alkaline batteries are not classified as hazardous waste.

You may throw the alkaline battery in the Battery Recycling Bin if there are rules for recycling alkaline batteries in your country. The batteries can be dropped through the small security hole in the top of the Battery Recycling Bin. Once full, the contents can be secured by locking down the outer security lid. The integral hand holes provided in the high strength double walls of the bin enable the fully loaded bin to be lifted ready for transit. Some places that take batteries for recycling have refuses to accept alkaline batteries in the Battery Recycling Bin or container and insist you to put them in the trash. Some web sites say reports that companies that take all kinds of batteries actually just sort and ship the alkaline batteries for storage and do not recycle them. Some websites say that no companies will recycle alkaline batteries and that the companies will only toss them.



Allah

Jayson Pablo asked:


The digital camera batteries are the major source to supply the power to the camera so that amazing videos and pictures can be shot without any interruption. The batteries are highly efficient and robust; they give high performance with the various cameras. These batteries are compatible with other devices also like the laptop etc. They have highly advanced technology that makes them extremely useful aid to the camera. These can be attached to the camera and other accessories via readily available adaptors and cables. The high end batteries can be used to support more than one device at a time with the help of its adjustable and flexible outputs that are compatible with all the devices. The batteries are created with great care and efficacy so that they offer long lasting services with impeccable performance.

They offer amazing power supply that can be used to operate the digital cameras. Generally people demand a single battery that fits most of the camera; it is desirable to seek such batteries since these type of batteries can be used with a number of cameras. The batteries are sturdy and sleek. They generally have anodized aluminum casing and etched front and back panel in stainless steel. The people who often use a digital camera realize that the life of the battery depends upon the make and the features of the camera. Every camera has special icon that depicts the status of the battery charge. One should always charge the battery to fullest capacity and also keep an extra battery as a precaution. It is extremely frustrating if the camera runs out of battery while you are capturing the beautiful moments of your life in a photograph or a video. High quality digital camera battery should be purchased so that enhanced performance can be achieved.

It is advisable to take proper care of the battery of the digital camera so that it lasts longer and gives maximum performance. The following tips will help to keep the batteries in good condition for long time. One should make more use of the camera viewfinder utility to compile the scene while taking photographs as the LCD display consumes more power. One should not erase or delete the images very often. Higher deletion of photographs results in higher power consumptions. The users should keep the camera in warm conditions while using it in the cold weather. Low temperature damages the battery to certain extent. The Zoom option should be used sparingly. Exorbitant use of the Zoom facility overburdens the motor and also consumes more power.

The flash light should be used minimally, it?s better to shoot pictures in the natural lighting. The batteries should be saved from water. The wet batteries can be damaged by the corrosion which can also affect the camera. The image review interval should be set at its minimum duration. The duration of the image review determines the time elapsed between the clicking and the display of the image. Smaller this interval, lesser is the battery consumption. The power saving mode interval should also be minimum. This saves power and results in better battery life. The digital camera should be used minimally for viewing the videos etc. The playback consumes lot of power and thus battery cannot give better performance. It?s better to view the videos etc on the television or computer display.

Due care should be taken while selecting the batteries for your camera. It is sensible to use similar brands and compatible products. If we try to mix and match the battery and the camera then we cannot get the maximum efficiency and performance from our devices. The batteries should be removed from the gadget if it is not being used. If the battery is attached to the camera while it?s being used, digital camera battery can wear out and get damaged.

The users should handle the batteries with great care and then they can use them for years without any complaints. These equipments give enhanced performance and support your digital camera for long time.



Cymax

theproticon asked:


What are 3 reasons as to why replacing the regular batteries we use today with fruit batteries (actual fruit being plugged in by wires/clips) is not a good idea? I know that fruit batteries save energy, but why is it so ineffective?

Alanson

Bill Richards asked:


Two way radio batteries are not that big a mystery once you learn which battery is the best one for your two way radio. Consumer walkie talkie radios are different from commercial two way radios for business – so be sure your research includes the right application!

When buying two way radio batteries, there are a number of things to keep in mind, depending on your specific needs, application and requirements.

5 Helpful Tips to Help You Choose the Right Two Way Radio Battery For Your Needs

1. Know the Different Kinds of Two Way Radio Batteries?

Nickel cadmium (NiCd)

The most commonly used battery for two way radios, NiCd batteries are known and liked for their long life, durability, steady high capacity and generally economical price.

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)

An NiMH battery uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy instead of cadmium for its negative electrodes; it starts with a higher energy density than an NiCd battery but has a shorter cycle life.

Lithium ion (Li-ion)

Among the newest batteries available, these are significantly lighter and lower maintenance than NiCd or NiMH batteries and are gaining in popularity for two way radio use.

2. Understand the Benefits of Each Two Way Radio Battery?

NiCd batteries have a long reputation for reliability. They can handle high loads and work well in two way radios and other tools that require a lot of power.

NiMH batteries contain no toxic metals and are less detrimental to the environment than NiCd batteries.

Li-ion batteries are lighter than NiCd or NiMH batteries while still providing considerable power. Because they don’t have any memory, Li-ion batteries are not vulnerable to “memory effect” (see below).

3. Know the Disadvantages of Each Two Way Radio Battery?

NiCd

The main disadvantage of a nickel cadmium battery is its susceptibility to “memory effect,” meaning that the battery gradually loses its capacity for full recharging if it is repeatedly recharged before its capacity has been fully drained. Because of this, nickel-based batteries (both NiCd and NiMH) are relatively high maintenance. Also, the cadmium in NiCd batteries is toxic.

NiMH

Like the NiCd battery, the nickel-metal hydride battery is prone to memory effect and requires careful maintenance. And while the NiCd battery starts off with good capacity and low interest resistance, after a few hundred cycles this resistance increases, and an NiMh battery will experience a voltage drop as it nears full discharge.

Li-ion

Lithium ion batteries cost notably more than other two way radio batteries, and at the same time they are less durable and more chemically volatile. Also, Li-ion batteries require their own chargers (NiCd and NiMH batteries can often use the same charger) and at full power can irreversibly lose between 5-20% of their storage capacity annually.

4. Discover How Long Will a Two Way Radio Battery Last?

Rechargeable two way radio batteries can last through hundreds or thousands of charge cycles, depending on how often and for how long the battery is used. But any and all types of two way radio batteries have a finite lifespan. Whether or not a battery is used, over time it will slowly lose some of its storage capacity, due to internal chemical reactions and other factors.

5. Research Warranties and Returns

When shopping for two way radio batteries, make sure they come with a warranty of at least 12 months, to ensure against unforeseen manufacturing or chemical defects. And look for a 30-day money back guarantee, which will give you enough time to test your new batteries and be certain they’ll fit your two way radio needs.



Bialecki