6-cell battery or 9-cell battery for my laptop?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>I'm going into Political Economy (so no need for fancy and heavy laptops) and I'm thinking of building a Dell laptop (because they're pretty). I don't need help on the specs, but I do need help on the battery option.</p>

<p>If I can save 45 bucks, that would be great, but if not, that's fine as well. I don't want my battery dying on me when I need it, nor do I want to pay 45 bucks for something I never actually used.</p>

<p>My classes usually start around 9 and end around 2 throughout the week with ample breaks, though I'm not 100% sure I'll be in my dorm room long enough to charge it. Maybe bring my charger along with me? I'll most likely be working or browsing on my laptop throughout the day and playing video games on it when I'm in my dorm with the charger.</p>

<p>I'm not 100% that I can get a replacement 6-cell battery for this to change on the go either.</p>

<p>Also, should I get a separate bag for this 15.6" laptop, or should I just stuff it in my bag? I think I want to keep this laptop for a while, but I also don't want to attract attention to me either.</p>

2

<p>You’ll want to get the 9-cell batter because a 15.6" laptop goes through a 6-cell battery very quickly.</p>

<p>Don’t get a separate bag for the laptop. It’s more of a hassle than anything else since most backpacks have a built-in compartment for laptops.</p>

3

<p>note that a 9 cell battery is larger and heavier than the 6-cell. the 9 cell pops out of the laptop, making it not so portable. my advice is if ur not gonna be taking notes with ur laptop, get the 6 cell and carry a charger.</p>

4

<p>As a 4-cell person with a 14’’ laptop, my battery life is about 3 hours with the backlight dimmed. Carrying around a laptop is pretty heavy. And 3 hours plus charging during breaks is good enough for me. For long days, I carry a charger and charge every other class.</p>

<p>Note: In a lecture hall, if you’re not early for class, it’ll be super hard to find a plug, they’re usually taken by the time class starts. Especially in Wheeler/Dwinelle. :frowning: In VLSB, you’ll usually find a plug though. :)</p>