HP ships new Ecolabel-certified batteries from Boston-Power

Looking to keep fewer rechargeable notebook batteries out of landfills? Hewlett-Packard has started shipping batteries that use  Li-ion battery cells developed by Boston-Power and that carry the Ecolabel designation that helps consumers select more environmentally responsible products. The batteries are designed to last effectively for three years, and HP is offering a three-year warranty on the technology.

Right now, you can buy replacement batteries on HP's e-commerce site for $149.999, but the batteries will be part of the accessories selection process for new notebooks starting in late March.

Alas, for now at least, the batteries are only available for 18 notebook models that are part of the HP consumer line, including the HP Pavilion, HP HDX, Compaq Presario and HP G series computers. You'll need to wait a little longer for those intended for business-class notebooks, says Christina Lampe-Onnerud, founder and CEO of Boston-Power. For now, however, she's thrilled that the batteries will work with full 70 percent of HP's consumer lines.