Laptop Batteries are More Than a Black Box Word Count: 320 Summary: Laptop batteries are the most important battery in the field of rechargeable batteries, but they are also the most complicated and regulated of all rechargeable batteries. Keywords: laptop batteries, notebook batteries, battery Article Body: <i>More than meets the eye.</i> Laptop batteries are the most important battery in the field of rechargeable batteries, but they are also the most complicated and regulated of all rechargeable batteries. The process alone to manufacture a laptop battery is long. How laptop batteries interact with the computer to function properly is another lengthy process. Manufacturers are also working constantly to improve laptop battery technology. The process used to created laptop batteries involves a system of tests and re-tests to insure safety and reliability. Inside that plastic case that is the finished product, there are a number of components besides the battery that make it work. Inside the casing, there are safety fuses, breakers, thermistors, and charge electronics which all aid in the functionality of laptop batteries. The battery pack casing is welded together in a specific process and is then sent on for final inspection. During final inspection, tests are documented for form, fit and function and once the battery passes the test, it is labeled with a lot and date code. All those extra components added to the battery pack are essential for laptop battery functionality. The thermistor controls the resistance of the battery and tells the computer to stop charging when the battery heats up as it completes charging. The circuit breaker helps protect against over charging and short circuits. Laptop batteries are built with the best quality battery components that can be found. Battery cells are ensured to yield the highest capacity and safety qualifications, whether the battery cell is NiCD, NiHM, or Li-Ion. Some batteries are even equipped with their own microprocessor that communicates important charge information to the computer. Information about laptop batteries proves that they are some of the most advanced rechargeable batteries available. Now when choosing a laptop battery, you won’t just see a black box, but rather a mini-computer that helps your laptop to run reliably and effectively.