Is this any good? Should I get it?

I was wondering whether to get this rather than a spare battery:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=48490&criteria=Clevo laptop battery&doy=10m6

???

 

1. Will one of the connectors fit your computer?

2. Is the output voltage range compatible with your computer?

2. Will you be wanting to carry it around (approx A4 size, 19mm thick and 1kg)?

If your answers are yes, yes, and no then it might be a good option.

John

 

My answers are yes, yes and yes but I reckon the last yes isn't too much of an issue as my 17" is just above A4 sized anyway so it will fit in the case and I can hardly say no to 4 and 1/2 hours battery life.

Thanks.

 

17" is way above A4 size so there is the question of whether the computer would sit comfortably on top of the battery without wobbling or blocking the air vents.

That estimated running time is prefixed by "up to", so maybe that is the time I would get if I plugged it into my fairly power efficient Q35, but you will be doing well to get half of that time if you are trying to run a 17" machine. One side effect of the external battery connecting into the power socket is that the computer will think it is running on mains power so the various power-saving features for battery operation won't get enabled automatically.

And if you are planning to carry a 17" notebook and an extra 1kg battery and whatever else, you will need a strong backpack and a strong back. Rather you than me!

John

 

Even if it is plugged into the power supply port, I would think there is a way to force the ACPI subsystem to enter power-saving mode.

 

Oh right thanks for that John. As I'm used to carrying my 5 stone tuba around with me to school and back and carrying around a heavy rifle in army cadets the 1kg shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Do you reckon it would attach to the desk next to my notebook rather than underneath it???

That's interesting... I suppose it was a bit stupid of me not to realise that of course a 17" would take up more battery.

Thanks for the response.

 

I believe the external battery has a short cable to connect it to the computer's power socket. It should therefore be possible to put it on the table behind the computer (assuming there is space).

If you are thinking of buying the external battery, double-check that there is connector which will fit your computer.

John