how do you properly store a battery?

I've just realized that the 9 cell offers great battery life for me and I'll probably need to use the 6cell on rare occasions. So in the meantime how do I properly store the battery. Do I need to drain it all the way down first, or should I charge it all the way up first?

thanks a lot guys.

 

Well if it's a Lithium-Ion Battery store it at 40% charge in a cold dark place. You can store it in a fridge or freezer to maintain the battery life even further however just make sure it's sealed air tight to prevent moisture buildup, fellow buddhist

 

thanks a lot Airman.

The thing is, I'll use the battery at least once a week. Is that needed? Can you explain why I should store it at 40%?

I have a messenger bag for my laptop, so I was thinking of fully charging it and just putting it in a little pouch where it won't come into contact with other metals.

thanks

 

40% is the ideal charge to store a Lithium-Ion battery because it slows down the degradation of the chemical components, and if stored in a cool/cold enviorment it will only degrade roughly 2-5% per year. Fully charging it is a bad idea if you are going to store and not use it a lot it can lose 20% of it's capacity over a year. If your planning on using it once a week then just make sure you don't leave your messenger bag in the sun and you should be fine.

 

crap. Now I don't even know what the use for two batteries is. Why on earth did I get a 6 cell and a 9 cell. I wonder what i should use.

 

I also bought 6 cell and 9 cell battery.
I only carry 9 cell when I am out for more than few hours (2-3 classes)
6 cells for less than few hours (1 class )

 

the thing is, its a hassle finding time to charge both at a time. Is there a certain device that will charge the battery itself? thanks.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=91846

 

I got two 9 cell batteries, I'll just use one until it wont hold a charge then use the other(I run a battery dead and charge it again at least once a day, if not more).

 

Unless you routinely drain the battery often, its best to just stick with one, then buy another one when it starts showing some significant wear, its also a good idea to not completely drain the battery on a regular basis if you can avoid it.