Which option to increase battery life?

I recently got my Envy 14 and I'm going off to college next year, and this 4 hour battery life probably won't be suitable when I'm taking notes in class.

Should I get the slice battery (thereby making it so my laptop cannot fit in my sleeve), an external battery (if so, which one?), or an extra battery that I can just switch out?

I'm looking for a balance between the most battery life but also very portable, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

If your college is anything like mine was then there's outlets near every seat. Maybe consider getting one of those travel chargers?

New HP Slim Travel Power Adapter VF685AA 574487-001 | eBay

I just bought a slice from hp's site for $136 shipped so I don't know if thats worth it just yet.

 

Can you please provide a link to the slice battery on HP's site? I've searched it a few different times (plus googling) and I can't seem to find it on their site for sale.

Thanks

 

HP 6-cell Slim Fit Battery for Envy 14-1000 Series (RS06) | HP® Official Store


You probably had trouble because the formal name isn't "slice battery"

 

HP 6-cell Slim Fit Battery for Envy 14-1000 Series (RS06) | HP® Official Store

 

Ahhh, that's exactly why!

Thanks for clearing that up for me. How were you able to snag one for so low?

I'm in the same boat as the OP...not sure which option to go with, another 8-cell or buy the slice?

 

They had it like $10 cheaper a few days ago. And with student pricing/$30 off $150 and more coupon. It came down to $126 with CA tax it was $136. It's cheaper at the parts store by ~$10 if you use a CC its $127-%15 off + tax/shipping. I dont know about their return policy so i didnt order through them.

 

You'll get pretty much the same battery life out of an extra 8-cell as a slice for less money, but at the cost of having to swap during use and for charging purposes (if you charge overnight and need the computer in the morning that might be a problem), and I'd say that a loose battery floating around would be more trouble than an always-attached (except when you want to leave it at home) slice battery. Are you certain that your sleeve won't fit the slice? It's a notable difference in thickness, to be sure, but the HP 14.5" Link Pattern sleeve, for example, fits the slice perfectly well (heck, it could fit two if the detached one didn't have any protuberances).

Personally, I paid the extra cash for the slice and I'm glad I did - I use my computer, sans adapter, at work every day, so I need the extra battery life, and I would have to swap batteries in the middle of the night if I were running two eight-cells.

So, in other words:

Slice - Way more convenient for regular use, slightly better battery life (by a few minutes), heavier, more expensive, makes the Envy thicker.

Extra 8-Cell - Inconvenient for charging and not hot-swappable, possible problems from travelling loose, cheaper, lighter.

In my case, the slice was a no-brainer. If turning off the computer to swap batteries for use or charging is going to be a problem, that's where the slice really shines. Otherwise, the 8-cell is pretty competitive, if not superior.

 

I have 2 brand new, never used 8-cell Envy 14 batteries and no more Envy 14, so make me an offer and one (or both) can be yours!

 

Very helpful response, thanks! You make a good case for the slice, now I'm leaning towards getting it, an extra battery does seem kind of a hassle....