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    Looking after your battery

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by daznsaz, Sep 4, 2007.

  1. daznsaz

    daznsaz Newbie

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    Hi

    Just got my first laptop, how should you look after your battery.
    Is it best to run it on the battery, then when it goes flat charge it?
    Or is it best to run it on power most of the time?

    Or does it not matter??
     
  2. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

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    Seeing that almost all batteries are lithum-based, the best charging strategy us to charge whenever you can. Lots of small charges are better than letting the battery die before a charge. The only times you fully deplete and recharge is when you first use it, and once in a while (2 months?) to calibrate it.
     
  3. Zero

    Zero The Random Guy

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    Lithium Ion batteries don't require a full discharge and chrge before use. Its easier and healtheir to simply begint o use them. They don't like to be charged to fast, and used to fast either. If your using the notebook for most of the time on AC power, then its a good idea to remove the battery and out it in a cool place. This will prolong the life and capacity of the battery. Have a look at the Battery Guide for more information.
     
  4. darkspark88

    darkspark88 Notebook Evangelist

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    Doesn't it run on the power through the battery, even when plugged into the AC?

    For instance, you can't use a mobile phone unless its got its battery in, right? Even if it is plugged into the AC...
     
  5. TeeJay 44

    TeeJay 44 Notebook Deity

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    Old questions but anyway.....

    1. Charge the battery for at least 18 hours first time
    2. Discharge with lappy on battery power only till it shuts off by itself
    3. Repeat process one more time
    4. Do this regardless of what you have heard etc.

    Then you will be fine.

    When using your lappy there is no need to baby the battery after this conditioning. Just enjoy what you have and make the most of it. Oterwise buy a PC with a UPS. Thats basically what a lappie is. Portable computing without the hastle.......
     
  6. Zero

    Zero The Random Guy

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    Lithium Ion batteries do not require this sort of pre-use preperation. Charge the battery up to 100%, and then simply begin to use the battery as you would like. The older Ni-Cd batteries required charging, but newer Li-Ion don't need. Refer to the two links below for more information:

    http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone-23.htm
    http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone-12.htm
     
  7. JimmyJ

    JimmyJ Notebook Consultant

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    i think this topic is widely discussed and this method doesn't seem to suit for todays laptop battery. Never try to drain your battery completely.
     
  8. TeeJay 44

    TeeJay 44 Notebook Deity

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    Whatever people believe is based on their own opinion or what they have heard or read:

    1. Any notebook mfg. will advise a FULL first charge for the time specified. I said 18 hours minimum. To charge for less time is not going to improve later battery life. And I stand with this. Any battery mfg would concur.

    2. Never mind if your battery is LION or older technology. A battery is a battery. Let it take its time with the first charge cycle.

    My advise about discharging is debateable. I stand corrected if wrong.
     
  9. Zero

    Zero The Random Guy

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    I agree with this point. Its a good idea to charge the battery for a good few hours before using. Charging for longer prolongs the life of the battery and also gives you better performance, when using the notebook on battery.
     
  10. TeeJay 44

    TeeJay 44 Notebook Deity

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    Thank's Zero. ;)