Two Batteries... How To Treat Backup Battery?

I ordered my DV6 with two batteries and was just wondering... I have used the extended battery exclusively just because, well, why not... But I got to thinking, can I just leave the 6-cell sitting there or do I probably need to give it a charge every once in a while so it does not dip too low?

 

You want to store the unused battery at 40% capacity and keep it in a cool dry place. Room temp is fine. If you are going to store it for more than a few months put it in a moisture free bag and put it in the frig. If you put it in the frig you must let it warm to room temp before use. Also you need to recharge it to 40% every 3-6 months if unused.

 

What is the backup battery for? Is it so that you can be away from an outlet longer (good idea) or in case the main battery explodes (dumb idea)?

 

Because it was like $40 or something for the extra battery, and I have no idea how long I am going to need power throughout the day when I move. Besides, it might be rare, but I am potentially going to really like those two batteries for those 14+ hour flights .

 

I am going to try to buy a generic battery for mine and rebuild it. My 9cell battery is 190 bucks :/

 

What you do depends on your needs: either you need the extra battery runtime enough to carry the second battery or you don't need it.

If you don't need the extra runtime, then store the second battery. Follow DCMAKER's instructions.

If you need the runtime, then just carry it with you and swap when the other battery runs out. After you use it, charge it again for the next time.

If you don't need it very often, but carry it just in case (one battery will cover you most days, but occasionally it isn't enough), then make sure you do exercise it. By that I mean if it doesn't get used for a couple of weeks, swap it in and use it and then recharge it. Li-Ion batteries seem to last longer when used a bit (or stored properly).

Alternatively, if you really don't need it, sell it. Batteries don't last forever. If you only need one, sell the other and buy a new one when the battery you are using dies.

 

i agree with dave. If you only use it for travel....which happenes less than once every 2 weeks than keep it at like 40-50% and than recharge before your trip....but if its speratic and you use it on and off.....what i mean if you use the secondary battery regular and at undetermined times than keep it full charged. but if you only use it when you travel than you can better estimate when you will need it and keep it at a safe storage lvl.

 

Thanks, not sure what my usage will be, purchased it because it was a great deal, and might be trickier to do when I move. I suspect it will be only for travel though.

 

than best is leave it at 40% and than charge it before your trip. Also i recommend saving your 9cell as a back up. Since you said you don't regularly use the battery best to keep the 9cell in best of shape....now if u find urself on battery alot than use ur 9cell....see what i am saying?