The battery: the powerhouse of every notebook
Not all users need to be fully independent of an external power source, and if you only plan to work on battery power occasionally, and for short periods, the battery won't be a key factor in your decision. But if you do know you're going to be heavily dependent on the battery, possibly accessing data at frequent intervals, this is a component you can't afford to ignore.

Li-lon - the must-have battery type
Most notebooks on offer today use lithium-ion batteries. With benefits such as lightness, high power output and high storage capacity, this is definitely the battery type to go for.

The length of time a notebook can run before flattening the battery is affected by a whole range of factors, including processor speed. The performance of lithium-ion batteries is also dependent on the number of cells and the way charging is handled. Because it's difficult for a non-expert to check this, you should seek the advice of a competent dealer before committing yourself.

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are generally now only found in entry-level systems. Performance is typically inferior to lithium-ion, and units are heavier. The memory effect is also more pronounced, which means that a Nickel Metal Hydride battery is more likely to "forget" what its true charge is, and fail to recharge to full capacity.