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Technology

How do I Choose the Best External Laptop Battery Charger?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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If you wish to avoid running out of battery power while using your laptop, you should look for an external laptop battery charger. There are various kinds available, but you can first narrow down your choices by finding one that is compatible with your laptop, as most chargers are brand or model-specific. You should also try to find one that comes with a warranty, especially if you are not able to test it out in the store to make sure that it works with your laptop. Finally, consider reviews of the charger that you are interested in, especially if the manufacturer is a company that you have never heard of.

The majority of chargers are specific to a certain brand, as each manufacturer tends to make its own external laptop battery charger. In fact, most make a few of them, and then assign a group of laptop models to each charger. For this reason, you should take note of your laptop's model number before you buy. Paying attention to the model number prevents you from having to match up individual factors that may be difficult to remember, such as the voltage and wattage.

Some consumers spend a lot of money trying to find a laptop battery charger that works well with their computer. They may find that it is not compatible with their laptop, or that it does not work at all. If you want to avoid wasting money on a product that you cannot use, you should try to find a charger with a warranty attached. If a warranty is not available, at least browse for a charger from a store that has a good return/exchange policy so that you can bring it back soon if it does not work out. If you are searching for an external laptop battery charger at a local store, consider bringing in your laptop battery to make sure it works.

If you cannot find a charger made by the manufacturer of your laptop, you may be considering a generic charger from an unknown company. This can be a good way to save money, but you should first make sure that the company puts out quality products. Consider reading customer reviews from those who have purchased the external laptop battery charger that you are looking at. Taking user reviews into account can help you avoid wasting your time and money on a product that does not work well.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGEEK, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
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Discussion Comments

By pastanaga — On Sep 10, 2011

If you are planning to use your battery charger while you are traveling, I would suggest trying to get one that will work in different ways.

You should be able to find one that will work when plugged into a socket, as well as into a car lighter, easily enough. But you might also be able to find a solar battery charger.

I had a friend who traveled with me around India and he managed to keep his laptop going using a solar charger. It took a long time to charge, and I have no idea if it was good for the batteries, but it was better than nothing.

I would definitely consider getting one if I was going to travel around another country where the sun was out enough to make it worth it.

By bythewell — On Sep 10, 2011

@croydon - I don't think you absolutely have to get a brand name charger in order to get a good one. I've heard that often batteries are deliberately made so they can't be used in a universal external battery charger.

This way, the company can charge much more than the charger is actually worth, because in theory you can't get a charger anywhere else.

But, generic ones will work, as long as you get a good one.

I would look on Amazon where there are often detailed customer reviews. If nothing else, if someone buys a charger and it stops working they are very likely to post a scathing review, so you can be warned yourself.

By croydon — On Sep 10, 2011

I recently bought an external battery charger for my laptop from eBay, thinking myself very clever as it was much cheaper than you could find in stores.

I made sure it was compatible with my laptop battery and everything and it had a thirty day guarantee as well.

And, of course, after thirty days it stopped working! I couldn't believe it. It was almost as though they have timed how long it would take to break down.

So, I would recommend trying to get a guarantee that's a good chunk of time, at least a year if you can. And if you can afford it, try to get the actual brand, rather than thinking yourself clever and getting the cheaper one.

Autumn Rivers

Autumn Rivers

Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGEEK, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
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