Carry a Battery Backup

Increasingly, though, the former is just not an option. Laptops with a removable battery, nowadays, tend to be fleet-oriented business machines, and in these cases, the simplest option is a second battery. (Indeed, this can be a good reason to opt for one of these machines even if you’re not a typical business buyer.) Spares can be ordered directly from the manufacturer (we don’t recommend buying third-party batteries), often for less than $100. Simply swap the old battery for the new one once in a while when charging, and bring along the charged-up spare whenever you expect to be away from a power outlet for an extended period.

Another, similar option is to buy an external power pack. While it is also technically a battery, these external power sources plug in to your laptop the same way your charger does. They generally cost between $100 and $200, but come with adapters for use with many different laptop models. They can be used on more than one system, and even for other devices, such as your phone or tablet.

These strategies will help you make the most of the battery you have. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, however, and battery runtime is one of your key concerns, check out our roundup of the laptops we’ve tested with the best battery life.