Palo Alto (CA) – Hewlett-Packard (HP) has begun selling notebook batteries that promise users not to lose any capacity over the lifetime of the notebook – 3 years. According to HP, the new Enviro batteries also recharge much faster than traditional batteries.

The Enviro series is provided by Boston Power, which sells the devices as “Sonata” batteries. Other than traditional lithium-ion batteries, which typical give up capacity over time, the Sonatas will not, at least not for three years, the manufacturer claims. Boston Power is confident enough about its technology to include a 3-year warranty with its batteries – which is the longest notebook battery warranty we are aware of.
 
The fact that users will not have to replace their battery of the lifetime of a notebook means that the Sonata device “is good for the environment,” Boston Power said. The company also claims that the batteries can be recharged to 80% of their capacity in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the devices use less reactive chemicals and apply multiple redundant protective controls.

Mac users can purchase Sonata batteries already today through accessory company Quickertek, which has been selling an external battery based on this technology for the Macbook and Macbook Pro for some time now. Quickertek claims that the external battery provides about eight to twelve hours of extra battery life for Apple notebooks.