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    battery charging time for 6 cell and 9 cell

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by koolier, Dec 9, 2006.

  1. koolier

    koolier Notebook Geek

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    can u guys report how long it takes to charge your 6 cell and/or 9 cell baterries while the laptop is on and off, thanks
     
  2. ihateregister

    ihateregister Notebook Enthusiast

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    3 hours for me to charge a 6-cell when the machine is on.
    I would say it is slow compared to <3 hours usage.
     
  3. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    About 2 1/2 to 3 hours when the machine is on, 6 cell. I haven't paid attention when the machine is off. I do not have a 9 cell to test.
     
  4. koolier

    koolier Notebook Geek

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    this is u "havent" paid attention when machine is off?
     
  5. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    right.

    123434
     
  6. dietcokefiend

    dietcokefiend DietGreenTeaFiend

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    I will let you know monday or tuesday when my 9 Cell T60 arrives.
     
  7. SkiBunny

    SkiBunny Notebook Deity

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    Charging the last 5-10% of the battery takes much longer (proportionately) than the first part of the charge takes.
    So maybe what you really wanna know is, "how long does it take to charge from nearly zero to over 90%?" ?
     
  8. koolier

    koolier Notebook Geek

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    hmm, why would it take longer, actually i think i read somewhere thats how lithium batteries operate so yeah that would change my question
     
  9. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    Because the charge slows down at the end and "trickle" charges the last few percent to preserve the battery's lifespan.
     
  10. Momo26

    Momo26 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Is it best for the life of the battery to only charge ~90%? I know it's best to fully drain the battery.
     
  11. orca3000

    orca3000 Notebook Evangelist

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    According to new battery guide, draining a Li-ion battery fully will decrease battery life span or even damage the battery.
     
  12. Momo26

    Momo26 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Is that so....
     
  13. paqtrick22

    paqtrick22 Notebook Evangelist

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    so if i make my laptop drain to 5% (til hibernation) it will make my battery decrease its lifespan more?

    by the way, i got the 6-cell in Z61m...
    charging while on - 2:30
    charging while off - not sure if 3:30
     
  14. The Oatman

    The Oatman Notebook Consultant

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    It's true. Li-Ion batteries are completely different from Ni-Cad. That last 10% power drain is the most stressful on the battery and it is the time when it's lifespan is most reduced. The only reason to fully drain and then fully charge the battery is for calibration purposes.
     
  15. Momo26

    Momo26 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    I thought that was for lifespan and quality. Well, i'd presume most people will charge their battery if it's anything less than full really, and an A/C outlet is near. Not likely the battery will be given the opportunity to dip below 10% unless away from an outlet for a while.

    Another point, i've been recommended to NOT charge the battery while using the laptop. Basically, set some time away from the laptop to fully charge, then use it on A/C power (or battery power). Power brick gets warmer and possible damage may occur i'd assume?
     
  16. paqtrick22

    paqtrick22 Notebook Evangelist

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    yep, the bricks do get freaking hot when charging the laptop while using it. not that hot to warm when off. hot when overcharged...
     
  17. koolier

    koolier Notebook Geek

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    so can anybody tell me how long for 6 cell or 9cell while lappy is off??
     
  18. paqtrick22

    paqtrick22 Notebook Evangelist

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    i think it's between 3:30 to 4hrs. (6cell)
     
  19. koolier

    koolier Notebook Geek

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    i dont get it, wouldnt charging off be faster than with laptop on???
     
  20. ohlwiler

    ohlwiler Newbie

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    Lithium Ion Cells are charged at a constant current of up to about 5 amps. Once the voltage level of each individual cell reaches 4.2 volts then the voltage is held constant and the charging current steadily drops. Because of this, about 70% of the capacity is reached in well under an hour. Most notebook makers do not charge their batteries at such a high rate and so this 70% knee takes 1-2 hours. Lenovo delivers a 65-watt power supply with most laptops, but offers an optional 90-watt power supply. To do a full charge, I would estimate 3 hours for the 6 cell and 4 hours for the 9 cell. The last 20 percent of charging for each battery takes the same amount of time. With adequate power both batteries should charge in the same amount of time. For more info see www.batteryuniversity.com.

    Scott