How to Buy Cheap Laptop Batteries without Getting Ripped Off

We’re all shopping around to find the best deals these days. Whether you’re saving with refilled printer ink cartridges or starting to clip coupons, you’re probably looking for more ways to save money. If it’s come time to get a new laptop computer battery, it’s absolutely possible to find cheap laptop batteries to replace it. You don’t have to head back to your laptop’s manufacturer for an expensive replacement.   However, as with most electronic equipment, it can be a bit dangerous to purchase just any laptop batteries at a discount. Are you really getting the best quality? Will the cheap price really save you money in the long run if the item doesn’t last? Fortunately, there are just a few things you need to know so that you can buy cheap laptop batteries without regretting it later.   Avoid Refurbished Laptop Batteries When you’re comparing laptop battery prices, especially on the internet, you will see a lot of low prices attached to refurbished laptop batteries. It initially seems like a great deal. After all, lots of refurbished electronic items can provide excellent value. Laptop batteries, unfortunately, are not one of those items. The fact is that batteries just don’t last forever and we don’t have the technology to bring them back to life when they’re used up. When you purchase a refurbished laptop battery, you purchase a battery with diminished power and a shortened lifespan. In the long run, a new laptop battery will be a far better value than a refurbished battery. Choose a retailer like Laptops for Less that offers discount prices on brand new, factory-fresh laptop batteries.   Choosing the Right Technology We all know that computer technology is changing so rapidly that a computer is out of date almost as soon as you take it home from the store. Battery technology, too, has been developing quickly over the past few years. The newest type of laptop batteries – lithium ion – is a great step forward over older batteries. Lithium ion batteries last longer, provide more power, and do not suffer from the battery memory effect (when repeated partial charges cause a battery to lose the ability to charge fully).   You may find older, nickel-based, battery types on the market for prices that are cheaper than lithium ion batteries. Almost always, however, the longer lifespan of the lithium ion batteries will provide you better value in the long run. When shopping for laptop batteries, however, your choice is limited by the type of battery that your laptop is compatible with. If your laptop was designed for a nickel-metal hydride battery, for example, it likely will not work with a lithium ion battery. Check your user’s manual before you purchase a new type of laptop battery.   Protecting Your Purchase It’s always great to have a little extra protection when you buy something new, and this is true for laptop batteries, too. A quality retailer like Laptops for Less offers warranty coverage included in the purchase price of its laptop batteries. When you’re comparing prices between retailers, it’s important to include warranty coverage in your calculations. A warranty not only increases the chances that your laptop battery purchase will be of good quality, but it also gives you assurance that you successfully purchased cheap laptop batteries without getting ripped off.