Computer Times
Editor's Choice Battery
FreshBattery
Reviewed by Terry Kibiloski
FreshBattery, located in Irvine, California, is a reliable online source for built-to-order notebook computer batteries, offering healthy, long-life lithium ion batteries at competitive prices. A leading supplier of notebook batteries, FreshBattery is a one-stop source for batteries compatible with today's popular models including Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP-Compaq, IBM-Lenovo, Sony, Panasonic and Toshiba.
Many computer users seldom think about their notebook battery until it can no longer hold the charge it once did. While modern technology has enabled us to extend the life of rechargeable batteries, they only last for a certain number of charge cycles. If your battery will not hold a charge of at least 80 percent, then it is probably time for a new battery, as runtimes between charges will rapidly begin to decrease.
We put FreshBattery to the test by asking them to send us a replacement for an old IBM ThinkPad R40 battery. Their thoroughness and expertise immediately impressed us. While many battery supply places on the Internet have replacement batteries for the older ThinkPad laptops, and will let you simply add one to your shopping cart, FreshBattery understood that not all ThinkPad R40s used the same battery. We immediately received an e-mail that read, "There are several different IBM R40 models. Would it be possible to get the exact model number so we can be sure to ship you the correct battery?" That message assured us that we were dealing with battery experts and not simply a battery supplier, many who sell refurbished batteries rather than new ones.
The core features of a FreshBattery are freshness, quality, innovation, efficiency, and dependability. On each battery there is a "born on" date to ensure you are purchasing a battery that is fresh and will provide maximum run time and battery life. Your battery will be brand new, built to order and never refurbished. Their battery cells are sourced directly from the leading Japanese and Canadian manufacturers and are never second-sourced. The battery packs are designed, assembled and tested in the USA with the highest quality cells. FreshBattery is ISO 9002 certified in their manufacturing process and the use of FreshBattery will not void any OEM warranty. This is especially important if you are purchasing a spare battery for your rather new computer.
FreshBattery uses the most current lithium ion cells for your battery and, if you are using an older model computer, a FreshBattery can have a longer life than your original battery supplied by the manufacturer. This was the case for our IBM Thinkpad used in our testing. The battery sent to us by FreshBattery provided nearly 20% more time in a typical computing session than the original battery did when it was brand new. Every FreshBattery purchase is backed by a one-year warranty.
In addition, FreshBattery's Web site (http://www.freshbattery.com/), is a reliable Internet knowledge base for the mobile professional, on-the-go student or even a casual user seeking information on battery maintenance, optimizing performance, recycling options and customer support featuring:
- Overview of Battery History and Technology
- About the Lithium Ion Battery
- Recycling Benefits and Outlets
- Battery Care and Handling
- Maximizing Battery Runtime
- Battery Charge-Time, Capacity, and Calibration
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Customer Support
- Global Citizens Page
FreshBattery is a global citizens company that works to ensure fair living conditions and wages for the individuals manufacturing its batteries. In addition, FreshBattery recognizes the importance of recycling and has partnered with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) to demonstrate to consumers how simple it is to contribute to a clean and healthy environment.
FreshBattery also values the lives of those in need and has partnered with Share Our Strength (SOS) by donating $1 of every battery sold to a charity that feeds children. Since 1984, Share Our Strength has led the fight against hunger and poverty by inspiring and organizing individuals and businesses to share their strengths. They have raised over $200 million to fight hunger around the globe and have invested critical funds in over 1,000 hunger-related organizations to help the most effective organizations sustain their efforts and maximize their capacity to deliver results. Today, their priority is to end childhood hunger in America ensuring that the nearly 14 million American children facing hunger have access to the nutritious food they need to learn, grow and thrive.
If you need a replacement battery, or a spare battery, for your notebook computer, FreshBattery is definitely the place to go if you want a fresh battery that will give you the best performance possible and meet the standards of the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) notebook warranty.