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    Treating a new battery?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by akwit, Apr 20, 2011.

  1. akwit

    akwit Notebook Deity

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    Just got a brand new, Dell battery for my Latitude.
    Was wonderng, is there anything specific that I should do at the start/before first use that will prolong its life?
     
    akwit, Apr 20, 2011
    #1
  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Read batteryuniversity.com? There are many different opinions and not many concrete facts since batteries can vary a lot. But from my experience, just use your battery as you need it. I keep my battery plugged in at 100% charge at all times and it acts as a UPS. On the go, I tend to use it until Windows hibernates or if I can around 15-25%. I have a bit less than 20% wear after a bit more than 2.5 years.
     
    sgogeta4, Apr 20, 2011
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  3. Homo habilis

    Homo habilis Notebook Guru

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    If you leave it plugged in without shutting your computer off, it will slowly discharge by itself.
     
    Homo habilis, Apr 20, 2011
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  4. Hungry Man

    Hungry Man Notebook Virtuoso

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    Here's what I do:
    I use Sony's battery utility to cap it at 80%
    When the computer is off I leave the battery out
    If I leave the computer for extended amounts of time (days) I take the battery and put it somewhere cool/ dry

    That's about it. Nearly 2 years and I have the same battery life I always have.
     
    Hungry Man, Apr 20, 2011
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  5. lupusarcanus

    lupusarcanus Notebook Consultant

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    There is a lot of misinformation out on the internet about batteries. There are a few concrete facts about them, that anyone with any normal type of battery should follow:-

    - Keep it away from extreme temperatures.
    - Keep it away from direct sunlight.
    - Keep it away from high humidity and/or moisture.
    - Use it sometimes, at least (batteries that aren't used enough lose capacity.)
    - Don't leave it dormant for very long.
    - If you MUST store it for a long time without using it, store it at 50% charge and follow the above guidelines.

    Otherwise, just use it as you need it.
     
    lupusarcanus, Apr 20, 2011
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