Can be used by bunnies

HP says that it will begin offering a new line of "Enviro" batteries for laptop users who want to upgrade to longer-lasting and more sustainably designed batteries.

HP and Boston Power have been testing the Sonata lithium-ion batteries for three years. Even after that great length of time the batteries can keep 80 percent of their initial charge, HP said. Normally a laptop battery loses juice after 150 or so charges. But Boston Power says that its batteries can be charged 1,000 times and be just like new.

Sonata batteries will cost between $20 and $30 more than traditional batteries and will be available only on some of HP's consumer laptops. The Enviro batteries are more environmentally friendly because there is no PVC plastic or heavy metals used in the manufacturing process. The batteries can also be recycled.

Buying a product that lasts for at least three years, rather than buying multiple batteries, is more environmentally sustainable and economical, Boston Power thinks.