6 cell vs 9 cell

I just ordered my x220, but now I'm second guessing the 9 cell battery. I was thinking I'd just buy a 4 cell when I need to save weight, but they're a bit pricey, especially if 6 is the perfect compromise.

Is the extra weight and protrusion worth it? I realize it's largely down to personal preference/need but I'd like some opinions. I had a protruding battery previously, and didn't mind it much, but it wasn't an ultralight.

Also, if I placed my order today will changing the battery be a hassle?

 

well with my 9 cells, i am getting 10 hours of battery time. For me it is worth every dollars and gram.

Changing the battery takes 10 sec, not a hassle.

 

I'm in the opposite camp... I got my 220 with the 9-Cell and was getting the double digit runtime, but I never really run more than 5 to 6 hours at a time so I switched to the smaller/lighter 6-Cell.

I'm hoping IB can drop power consumption enough for me to get by on the smallest battery...

 

I usually buy a 6 cell with every machine I buy. I like the lower weight and profile. But I rarely need more than 3 hours of battery life.

 

Given the small cost difference between the two when configuring, I'd go with the larger 9-cell battery option. The relatively small difference in weight won't make or break the machine for me, while not having the battery time when I need it will.

 

I usually use my machine on AC, but for the times that I don't (carrying it to a friend's house or something), I use it for at least 5 ~ 6 hours. I got the 9 cell with my W520 (mainly because I couldn't select the 6 cell option, and even if I could the price difference was like $15 only) for my haphazard battery usage.

I also spend something like 7 ~ 9 hours in a lecture hall for most days of the week, so I like the fact that I can just take my machine in the morning and have it still running when I get back home.

 

This isn't a difficult choice. Get the smallest battery that will satisfy your runtime requirement.

 

I never notice or think about the added bulk/weight of the six-cell. In my hands right now I have my X220i with the six-cell and the Dell XPS 13, which is the same weight as the X220 with the four-cell. If I think about it, the X220i does feel a smidge heavier, but they're very close.

 

The 9 cell is discounted pretty nicely when you order it with your build. Otherwise it's expensive if you decide you wanted it later, unless you buy it on ebay or something.

I ordered with the 9 cell and then ended up buying an extra 6 cell because the 9 makes the unit back-heavy. I use the 9 only when I need it, but it mostly stays in my fridge.

The physical height/weight difference between the 6 and 4 cell is minimal, so I would go with the 6 if that was the choice.

 

I like my 9-cell despite rarely requiring a full 10 hours without a cord. I don't pay attention to the battery indicator as much as I used to with my old MBP. Now, if I need to go do work on the go for a few hours, I just throw the x220 in the bag without thinking about charging ahead of time. It is a bit heavier, but in all honesty, if someone has trouble lugging around a x220 with a 9-cell in their bag, they need to start doing some weights or something.

EDIT: I am, however, thinking about a second 6-cell battery when I do need marathon mileage.

 

I ordered mine with a 9 cell even though I rarely need more than 5hrs battery. The 6 cell is adequate for my needs now, but wear and tear means that I'd need replacement a lot sooner than with the 9 cell.

 

wouldnt keeping a battery in the fridge decrease it's lifespan?

 

No. Probably the best way to store a battery is at ~40% capacity, sealed in a zip-lock bag in the refrigerator ( not freezer).

 

I got a 9-cell with mine, but I managed to get an extra 6-cell off of eBay (genuine OEM Lenovo battery) for around $30-40.