Correct Laptop Battery Care

[ben_qld]

I have a new Dell Vostro 1500 with a 9 cell battery. I would like to keep the battery in the best condition possible.

I understand that its not good to have the battery in when running off 240v for long periods.

But frequently I would use the laptop down to around 50% battery life, and when I would leave the laptop for a few hours or overnight.

Am I better of just keep using the laptop the next day, or the day after etc until the battery is close to flat, or put it on charge so its at 100% next time I use it ?

What method would be better for the battery ? ie lots of small charge top ups, or less frequent full charges.

Thanks

Ben

[the scotsman]

Less frequent full charges are best...and as you said...pull it out if you wont be using it for extended periods...it's something I dont (but should) do...

[delpieropadova]

I thought that kind of charging was for old school NiMH era and that Lithium batteries can be charged often (in fact letting them drain too low before you charge them can damage the battery).

When at home on AC power, I charge mine to 100%, and put it in the fridge. It only comes out on trips.

The proof is in the pudding: Using MobileMeter to check it, the battery has only lost 5% of its full charge capacity (60Wh out of 63Wh) since I bought it like 18 months ago (see my sig).

[yihfeng]

Originally Posted by delpieropadova

I thought that kind of charging was for old school NiMH era and that Lithium batteries can be charged often (in fact letting them drain too low before you charge them can damage the battery).

That's what I thought...

When at home on AC power, I charge mine to 100%, and put it in the fridge. It only comes out on trips.

Are you serious?

[ben_qld]

Technically, if you want your LiPo batteries to last the longest, keep them under 65C at all times, never fully discharge them (10% lowest), lots of small recharges, is better than a few really big ones. and drop them to 40% and put them in the fridge, I dont understand the 40%, but thats what everyone seems to say

Ben

[delpieropadova]

Originally Posted by yihfeng

That's what I thought...


Are you serious?

Those Lithium batteries lose capacity through chemical reaction decay. Any first year chem students know that lower temperature = slower rate of reaction.

However there's a limit to this: Don't freeze them. If moisture seeps in and crystallize inside, you will have problems.

And warm them up batteries to room temp first before using.