As someone who frequently relies on my laptop for high-performance tasks, I've become increasingly concerned with the trend of non-removable batteries in modern laptops. While the sleek designs and lighter builds might appeal to some, the lack of swappable batteries seriously limits a laptop's practicality for mobile use.
For me, good battery life is essential, but it doesn't fully address the need for flexibility. When I'm using my laptop intensively, battery power diminishes quickly, and there's not always a power outlet available. Moreover, the real problem emerges as the battery ages. After a few years, the performance of a fixed battery declines, and instead of simply swapping it out, I might face a costly repair or even need to replace the entire laptop.
Replaceable Battery
This design decision could turn a perfectly good laptop into a semi-portable desktop as its battery ages. Although integrating swappable batteries into laptops presents technical and financial challenges—potentially increasing the cost and weight—these are compromises I believe are worth making. It's frustrating that laptop manufacturers are pushing consumers towards models that can become less functional over time due to battery degradation.
Comparatively, cameras are traditionally equipped with replaceable batteries, which is a necessity given the unpredictable and often power-scarce environments they are used in. This feature is so crucial that a camera without a replaceable battery would be nearly unthinkable in today's market. Camera manufacturers continue to prioritize this feature because it is essential for the product's functionality and user experience.
Laptop Battery
Laptop manufacturers, on the other hand, seem to be moving in the opposite direction, making users dependent on a design that could limit the lifespan and functionality of their device. If camera makers can maintain this crucial feature despite similar challenges, why can't laptop manufacturers? Offering swappable batteries in laptops should be seen not just as a convenience but as a fundamental aspect of their design, ensuring they truly meet the mobility needs of users and extend the useful life of the product.
Latest laptops with replaceable batteries are almost more than 2 years old. Some of them are:
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14” (Gen 7) January 2022 release
Lenovo Legion 7 16” May 2021 release
HP-ProBook-445-G8 January 2021 release
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15” (Gen 6, AMD) January 2021 Release