Laptop Battery

PinkLady

Hi

When using a laptop is it best for the 'long term battery life' to use it plugged in if possible, or should I be unplugging it and letting it discharge, or doesn't it matter?
thanks

totalsolutions

Li-ion does not matter. No memory effect. Storage in a cold place at +3degC ie in a sealed plastic bag in your fridge.

HTH

fwor

To a certain extent it depends on the battery technology used.

Many are Li-ion based, and these generally have a maximum number of viable charge/discharge cycles - typically several hundred. So these are probably best only discharged when you need to use it on the move.

ScoobieGirl

While it is true that Lithium batteries do not have a memory like NiCd ones, using a laptop on charge while they are fully charged significantly reduces thier life

http://batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm.

see also this thread

fwor

ScoobieGirl wrote: »

While it is true that Lithium batteries do not have a memory like NiCd ones, using a laptop on charge while they are fully charged significantly reduces thier life

http://batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm.

see also this thread

Interesting article! Another factor is no doubt the design of the charging circuitry in the laptop. The Compaq that I currently use will charge a discharged battery, and then will leave it alone until it has self-discharged (assuming I continue to use it on mains power) a significant amount before topping it up.

However, I take the point in the article about temperature, so perhaps TS's post #2 hits the mark - if you're happy to have laptop batteries knocking around in your fridge...

ScoobieGirl

fwor wrote: »

Interesting article! Another factor is no doubt the design of the charging circuitry in the laptop. The Compaq that I currently use will charge a discharged battery, and then will leave it alone until it has self-discharged (assuming I continue to use it on mains power) a significant amount before topping it up.

That's interesting too! I didn't realise they were that smart these days. Mine is definitly not that smart. Something to look out for when I upgrade.