Laptop Batteries

Zebra

I've heard a lot of conflicting advice about the best way to maintain rechargeable batteries in such things as mobile phones and laptops.

What's the best way of prolonging their life?

I've got a laptop that I rarely use, should I still be charging it up or is it ok to leave it unused?

thescouselander

Have a read of this:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries

If you're going to leave your laptop unused it is best stored at 50% charged. Its also worth taking out occasionally (say every month or 2) and exercising the battery by charging it up and using it for a bit remembering to get it back down to 50% before putting back in storage.

sb2_2

Dont leave your battery completely empty and not full. You will also need to use it once in a while to keep it running.

I made the mistake of leaving my spare PDA battery fully charged for about 10 months. When I went to get it, it was swollen like a balloon and quickly threw it outside just to be on the safe side.

Zebra

Thanks guys - I thought it might be best to give the battery a bit of use occasionally.

cit_k

sell the laptop whilst it still has some value?

Zebra

cit_k wrote: »

sell the laptop whilst it still has some value?

It's already 6 years old, so I doubt it has much resale value anyway, and I do intend you to use it again in the future when circumstances change.