6 cell battery vs 12 cell battery

Hello all. I like the idea of the longer life of the 12 cell, but don't like the idea of it sticking out all the time. I use the laptop on my lap quite a bit and imagine that could be quite uncomfortable.

Was thinking of maybe getting a 6 cell and a 12 cell, that way I could use the 12 cell during times when I know I will be at a table or desk. However, on the HP customize site, there doesn't seem to be an option to buy one of each. The options seem to be for either 2 6-cells or 2 12-cells. Can anyone confirm?

Lastly, I've never changed a laptop battery before. Exactly how hard/easy is this? It seems like it would be easier with the 12 cell, since it sticks out. With the 6 cell, is there any unscrewing involved? How difficult would it be to change if I were in class and suddenly needed to change it?

 

I have the 12 cell battery on my Compaq v4000t. I love the battery life. I can get about 4hrs while surfing the web, listening to music and chatting.

I use the laptop on my lap a lot. It does not bug me that the battery sticks out. It is actually kind of nice because the battery rests on my legs so I don't block the fan.

It is also nice to have the 12 cell when you use it on a desk since more air can flow underneath your laptop.

The only downside is that the bigger batter makes the laptop a little heavier. However I think it is worth it.
Tim

 

thanks, and what about the mechanics of changing the battery?

 

It's normally very straightforward. Normally there's a latch or switch you push and the battery will release. It's on the bottom, and usually in the back, though that depends on the model. You should consult your manual and see where the battery compartment is for exact details, but it's a VERY simple precedure.

 

Yeah like GEWbert said the battery has a sliding latch. The battery is simple to put in and out.

Oh and one other thing I like about the 12 cell is that it is easier to carry the laptop by holding onto the part of the battery that sticks out. It is hard to explain but the battery kind of acts like a grip to hold onto.
Tim

 

Its kind of link changing a cell phone battery... just a lot bigger.

 

Anyone know whether the major electronic stores carry laptops with a 12 cell? I'd kinda like to see one up close.

 

Most electronic stores do not have the batteries in the display models. Check HPs website. You might be able to see a pic there.
Tim

 

The bulge is worth it, I would get 6 hours on my DV1000 when the battery was new, I still get nearly 5 after nearly 2 years of use.

 

For what it is worth a just got the dv6000z for review with the 12 cell battery. I like the extra battery life and typing on it when it is on a desktop is nice because it is raised up, but I dislike using it on my lap. Most of the weight of the notebook rests on where the notebook touches you legs which made it uncomfortable for me. I find myself sticking a pillow underneath to alleviate the problem. My 2¢ anyway,

 

My local Best Buy was selling a "dv1660se" that had the same 12-cell battery as the dv2000.

Chris

 

On that note, the 12 cell or the 6 cell batteries of the previous version wont work with the dv2000/V3000. I already tried, it wont work as HP has changed the location of the power pins on the battery.

 

Thanks for all the comments. Since I don't think I'd like the battery sticking out all the time, I probably should buy the HP with the 6 cell, but buy a 12 cell as the extra battery.

 

Hello there. I am really close to buying a dv2000z. I want a computer that I can take around with me to school and coffee shops to do homework and stuff like that. My previous computer was a zv5000z and it was a little heavy and bulky for me to do that. I want a decent battery life, but I want a light computer and I am really struggling with the decision of the 6 or the 12 cell battery. How much more is the 12 cell going to weigh when compared to the 6 cell and how much does the 12 cell protrude from the bottom of the computer in the back? Thank you so much.

My first task is to figure out if I can tackle the art of doing a clean install of Windows Vista without all the crap HP preloads on their computers.

Thanks.

 

One of my laptop with 12 cell battery is dv1040us, which has 14" screen. I see slight difference in weight, but that more than made up for convenience of having longer lasting laptop, almost twice as long. Another advantage is better air flow on the bottom, as it raises about 5/8". I also found I can grip the laptop better, as I have something to securely hold with one hand. Personally, I've carried 6 cell as a backup when traveling but rarely used it. Now if they would make a 16 cell for my dv9000t, I would grab it in a heartbeat.

 

I think I am going to change my mind and get a dv2000t instead. There is just too much out there saying that the Intel-based system is better. Hopefully that will make a difference in the battery enough to make me happy.

 

I love the battery life of the 12 cell. i like that fact that it props the laptop ofr better typing and viewing. It is heavier.

there is a battery section in this forum that explains why you should probably only buy one battery at a time. The life begins from the moment it is manufactured.