Inexpensive laptop batteries

From time to time, I get calls about failing batteries in clients' laptops. In fact, I have found that laptop batteries may last longer if they are drained to 0% every month or so. The best way to lose them is to keep the laptop permanently plugged to the AC outlet.

With all these precautions, the batteries usually start showing drops in performance after the first year, and often become almost unusable in two. It is interesting that while your laptop may be warrantied for 3 years by the manufacturer, the fine print always warranties the battery for only 12 months.

In this context, the third party market for laptop batteries assumes special significance. Often these generic batteries cost half of what is sold by the original manufacturer.

But are they safe to use and do they give good value? Computerworld magazine finds out here.