3 vs 6 cell weight/size - opinions?

Hi all!

I am a new AA1 user, and so far I love it! I've gotten rid of all the junkware, switched to firefox, and have the settings to how I like them. But after getting my 3 cell unit from wal-mart I see there is a 6 cell version available. I am in the 15 day return period, so I'm thinking about returning this unit and getting the 6 cell, which I would have to order online.

I've been doing my research and know the 6 cell gives more than double the battery life. Also, I have a 3 cell model with the 160gb drive ( ), so the only factor in exchanging units is the battery. If I returned this unit, after getting my tax back and ordering the 6 cell online (tax free) it would only be a difference of $20!

I am a student and bought this mostly for on campus web browsing and to pass time between classes, because my other 15" laptop is too heavy and big to carry around in my backpack. So size and weight are big concerns for me. How much weight does the 6 cell add over the 3 cell? Do those of you with the 3 cell find yourselves constantly scrambling for a power outlet? There are usually plenty of power outlets on campus, but only in certain areas, of course. Surfing outside or in the middle of the cafeteria the battery would have to suffice.

I'm also a tall guy so find that the screen is usually tilted pretty far back (about 45* or less from the table surface), and I've read the 6 cell keeps the screen from tilting all the way back. Is this a problem with anyone?

I guess I'm just looking for some general advice! I know the power needs of each person are totally individual, so I guess I'm just asking what you all think about the weight differences between the two units, mostly. Would you rather carry the 3 cell and the power cord, or the 6 cell by itself? Which would be lighter and more convenient, do you think?

Thanks!

 

6-cell weighs 160g (~ 6oz) more than the 3-cell. An genuine Acer 6-cell should give your around 5 hours use. The screen will still tilt back a reasonable distance with the 6-cell attached.

If you can "upgrade" to a genuine Acer 6-cell for only $20 then I would go for it.

 

I pulled out my battery and looked at it today, it says it is only 2.04ah! Don't most people get 2400mah batteries with their 3 cells?

 

2.04ah = 2400mah. XD

 

Assuming mah stands for milliamp hours, and ah stands for amp hours, then 2.4ah would be 2400mah (move the decimal 3 places). 2.04ah would only be 2040mah. Unless there is some kind of battery naming nomenclature I don't know about...

 

2200 = stock 3 cell...

 

I have the 6 cell battery. The battery is in the way to tilt the screen completely flat, but it still tilts back quite a way. I am 5'11" and I never have a need to flip it back as far as it can go.
Weight wise, it really does not add much weight and it's a small price to pay (both in weight and in cost) to have the extra battery lift. Even though documentation will tell you the 6 cell will give you up to 5 hours, depending on how you set up your computer, you can get close to 7 (I have my screen brightness turned WAY low, screen turns off after 5 minutes, HD turns off after 10 minutes, computer goes nighty night after 20).

Hope this helps.

Belgian Alien.

 

@BelgianAlien
Hey can you show some pics please.
II've been thinkin' 'bout gettin' a few six cells for my AOA150.

 

Check this web page - gives you a basic idea how does it look like. My own experience is very positive (can recommend to have a second battery on hand sitting at long meetings.)
http://www.global-laptop-batteries.com/ ... 6cell.html

 

@ Scissors

The pics on the site Firo has a link to are as good as any pics I'd be able to take... I will see if I can get a good pic of the screen flipped open as far as it can go with the 6 cell battery. I looked at it again last night... the screen actually never gets stopped by the battery. The hinge of the screen only goes so far. Pic will be posted today or tomorrow.

 

Okay... here's a few pics... I know, fuzzy, thank my crappy cell phone camera for that. But you should be able to see how far the screen can tilt back with the 6-cell battery installed.

 

If you have a choice, get the 6 cell IF you want some meaningful time with the battery, especially on flights.

 

I have both the 3 and the 6, I bought my Aspire with the 6 cell, but because of the bulge I decided to order a 3 cell online. I prefer to use my 3 cell when I'm around the house and near a power outlet, but when I leave I take my 6 for sure, and sometimes the 3 as well.

I say, if you can get it, and you do have a good use for it, get it.

 

My aftermarket 6-cell at least, most definitely does prevent the screen from moving through its entire range of motion. It's even got a little rubber bumper on it to protect the bottom edge of the screen when they're in contact. Now, it only prevents the screen from moving through the last 1/4" or so of travel, but it DOES limit it. It's easy enough to check by opening the screen as far as possible, removing the battery, and opening the screen a little further.

 

Thanks for the pics BelgianAlien.
I ordered a nine cell battery awhile back. I hope it comes soon.
My One has been having good progress lately.