Is there any way to estimate the overall capacity of a laptop battery?

July 6, 2010 - PRLog -- Laptop batteries are constructed of individual Li-Ion cells, such as a 6-cell battery and a protective circuitry. It is a passive energy storage housing device. Is there any way to estimate the overall capacity of a notebook battery from the given number of cells? How much capacity does such a typically battery have?

When selecting a notebook battery, such as hp pavilion dv6000 battery for the HP/Compaq Pavilion DV6000 Battery, 12-cells 8800MAH, this information is provided on the label.
Description:
Cell Type: Li-ion, 12-cells
Voltage: 10.8V
Capacity: 8800MAH


http://www.brilliantstore.com/hp_laptop_batteries_dekcell_bl_5514.html

The manufacturers will often list the number of “cells,” where each cell has a certain capacity; thus a 9 cell has 50% more capacity than an equal model 6-cell battery. That is useful for comparing directly with the same measurement standard, but the story is more convoluted when you wanted to compare different batteries with different laptops. For more accuracy batteries have a voltage rating (V) and milli-Amp hours (mAH), which, if multiplied together, give you milliwatt hours. Compare this number.

For example, a 14.8 V battery with 4460 mAH gives you 66,000 milliwatt hours (66 watt-hours). You can compare laptop batteries this way as well, but also keep in mind that different laptops have very different power consumption requirements that vary based on the components, usage and how well the operating system manages power consumption. Typically, bigger, heavier batteries will give you a higher watt-hour rating. A 6-cell battery may be the same form factor as a 9-cell, but the 6-cell will weigh less since there’s less Cells (chemical) in it to hold onto that charge.

If you are a road warrior, you will want the most (maximum) cells and/or most watt-hours you can get into your model so producing up to 5 or 6 hours between a recharge. It is so painful to run out of power before you are ready. And here I suggest you go online-shop to buy good notebook batteries. Many reviews have been written up about  www.brilliantstore.com.  Most have commented about their great services, fast shipping, and high quality products with unbeatable price. Check out them out on-line.  It pays to know where other happy customers shop.