Difference in HP's 9 and 12 cell batteries?

I am looking at the differences between the dv3t (which comes with a 9 cell) and the dv4t (12 cell).

With the discount coupon, I can get a model with equal specs for the same price. However, the only difference is the smaller form factor in the dv3t, and the smaller battery. Does the smaller 13" screen for the 9 cell compensate same battery life for the larger 14" screen and the 12 cell?

Thanks.

 

No ideas? Maybe it's because the dv3t is so new...

 

I believe the 12 cell battery lasts about 5-7 hours. I may be mistaken, but my buddy's laptop which is a DV2700T with the 12 cell battery lasts 7 hours. It also provides a little incline (raises the back of the laptop 1-2 inches) for the laptop for better ventilation.

 

The dv4t with the 12-cell will give you, at most, 7-8 hours run time. A dv3t having identical specs with the 9-cell will give you maybe 1.5-2 hours LESS run time. These depend heavily on your hardware configuration - I only got 5 hours with my dv4t.

The 12-cell is rated at 8.8 amp hours. I don't know the rating for the 9-cell, but even if it uses the same cells, you'll get less juice because you've got less battery.

Keep in mind as well, the 12-cell battery weighs about 1.4 lbs by itself, and adds 0.7 lbs over the dv4t's regular 6-cell. If you compare the dv3t with a 9-cell and a dv4t with a 12-cell, the dv3t will be easier to carry because it is not only smaller, but also a good 1/2 to 3/4 pound lighter.

The difference in screen size has little effect on battery times here.

If you need something that you'll be carrying around in one hand for over an hour, go with the dv3t. If you need something that will sit you through a 10-hour workday, get a dv4t and two 12-cell batteries. That's my recommendation anyway.

 

Thank you. I will be taking this in a backpack, so I think the dv4t will be just fine with the 12-cell if I am paying the same price for a larger battery that can provide more ventilation and more battery run-time.

 

Wait... I wonder if there's a way to easily retrofit a 12 cell in the dv3t. Don't all HP batteries fit in any laptop HP offers?

 

i don't think so.

 

Good job. You're gonna be very happy with the dv4t in that case (pun intended).

 

Yeah I agree. Wish the dv4t had a backlit keyboard though. I mean, why offer it on the dv3z series, and on the dv3t last week? The dv4t has been out for some time too.