4. Practical But Expensive Supplementary Battery

Our test unit came equipped with a 9-cell 56 Wh high-capacity battery.

The Z60m supports a useful option that permits users to swap out the optical drive with a so-called "Ultrabay" 3-cell battery to extend the battery life for their machines; the battery weighs nearly 9 ounces (250 g.) It's hard to understand why Lenovo charges so much for this device. Prices range from $110 to $139 in North America, but run over 200 € in the EU. An extra 6-cell standard battery costs only US$125 and even the 9-cell extended life battery runs only $160. It's anyone's guess as to why this 3-cell battery should cost so much more - 1.76 times as much per cell as the 6-cell unit, and 2.07 times as much per cell as the 9-cell battery, using the lowest prices we could find.

It's true that the Ultrabay unit is a lithium polymer battery, but this technology is not expensive enough to justify such a huge price differential. Those interested in buying an extra battery for this unit should consider carefully how best to spend their money. For example, our test results strongly favor the 9-cell high-capacity battery.

The 90 Watt power adapter is compact and not too hefty.

Online e-tailers sometimes offer the Z60m with the 6-cell standard battery and sometimes with the 9-cell high-capacity battery. Those who decide to buy a Z60m with the 6-cell battery and then boost battery life with the 3-cell Ultrabay will pay a premium to increase battery capacity. It's smarter just to buy a unit that includes the 9-cell part.