Will the T60 sit comfortably in one's lap with no 6 or 9 cell battery installed?

I'm considering getting a laptop that appears to come with a 9 cell by default. That's just too big and bulky for normal use. What if I were to purchase a 3-cell ultrabay battery since I rarely use the optical media drive, leave the 9 cell out, and just keep it around in case I need it? Will the 3 cell work OK on its own for just the short 30 minute - 1 hour jaunts I'd need it to last? Will the laptop's weight distribution or feel be screwy when transported with no battery installed?

 

I have occasionally taken out the battery and the optical drive (ultrabay left empty) and just worked straight out of AC. It's lighter and it feels fine on my lap.




disclaimer: I only have had the t60 for less than a month.

 

I am looking for something that can cover the openning while the battery and optical drive were taken out. Just don't want so many holes on my T60. Any idea?

 

on ebay you can find plastic weight saver to insert into the ultrabay slim slot.

I have not seen anything for the battery bay though.

 

I use the 9 cell on my lap all the time. Feels fine to me. In fact, it's nice for carrying when the laptop isn't in a case since it cradles in the palm of your hand nicely because it's rounded.

 

You don't have to keep the battery in the notebook. I have an old notebook whose battery died many months ago and since then I use it without battery. The "hole" is just an empty space at the bottom and it doesn't affect the sturdiness of the notebook. Generally, however, I prefer having a battery installed because I feel that it acts like a combined surge protector and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) when I get power from an electric outlet.

 

Right, I understand the battery is completely passive other than occasionally trickle charging itself from the outlet, when the laptop is plugged in. However I was moreso concerned if the 3-cell media bay battery would be self-sufficient for short off-outlet use and, as you mentioned, to act as a UPS in case the cord gets unplugged or the power goes out and if missing the battery from the back would make the laptop have a crappy 'feel'.

A cover of some sort would definitely be a good idea.

 

The bottom part of the top panel that holds the LCD (the area where the green LEDs are) will be exposed with no battery in the bay and the lid closed. I find the laptop quite easy to handle with the 9 cell in it as well as the optical drive. When walking around the house with the laptop open, cradling it with one arm, the 9 cell battery makes a nice handle for my fingers to wrap around.