Tips on how to use Laptop batteries

Discussion in 'General Hardware' started by gaurav200x, Feb 26, 2008.

  1. gaurav200x

    gaurav200x Geek Trainee

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    Friends, I use a Lenovo 3000 C100 laptop, fitted with Lithium Ion 8-cell batteries. Since i am kinda new to using laptops, can you please tell me how to use laptop? Whether should I always use it in AC mode ?

    I Want to Know:

    1- How "exactly" should we use our laptop battery?

    2- If we are not going to use it for a long time, how/where should we store it?

    3 - when it reaches 100% in charging mode should we leave it or take it out and store it separated from the machine or again run on batteries to let it discharge

    p.s. I hope, i have posted in the correct section. If not, let the moderators move to the appropriate location.
     
  2. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    The best way is to charge the battery to 100%. Then use it until the battery is almost completely empty. Then charge the battery (instead of charging it when it's not empty, like between 20 - 100%)

    When you don't use the laptop for a long time, disconnect the battery from the laptop. Store it in an environment of room temperature (15-22C). If you don't disconnect it, the battery might die after about half a year.

    You don't need to disconnect the power source if the battery is charged for 100%. However if you would use the laptop as a desktop replacement, and keep it plugged into AC power at all times, then I would suggest to disconnect the battery.
     
  3. megamaced

    megamaced Geek Geek Geek!

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    If you are going to use your laptop at home most of the time it makes sense to remove the battery so it is not in a constant state of charging. I only put my laptop battery in if I am using it on the move.
     
  4. gaurav200x

    gaurav200x Geek Trainee

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    Dear Sir,
    Thanks for the tips... However, I don't wish to remove them since I do have frequent power cuts at my place.

    Just a little curious to know that if i do this process of continous charging and then discharging, won't it reduce the life of the battery (as suggested by u in point no. 1)
     
  5. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    When a battery is discharged, it loses most of its charge. After recharging it, it is loaded with energy. This could cause a normal AA battery to die after a while. But a laptop battery is built differently.

    When you only charge the battery when it's completely empty, it gets 'trained' to hold the charge for a long time. If you don't do this, and recharge it when it's about 80% charged it gets problems when the charge gets below that percentage after a while.
     
  6. gaurav200x

    gaurav200x Geek Trainee

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    So should I discharge the battery until its completely empty... i.e. 0% ??
     
  7. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    Discharge it until the laptop shuts down, or plays an alarm, or when you get the message "Low Battery".
     

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