laptop battery question

rfuerst911sc · 12-14-2009, 04:57 AM

Just purchased a Toshiba laptop with LI-ION battery. This is my everyday computer. So what's the procedure to keep the battery alive ? I'm going to guess fully charge the battery using the AC adapter and once charged run the laptop on battery only to draw it down ? Or should I just run on AC power ? If AC power is the way to go should I remove the battery so it doesn't over charge ? I guess I could read the manual but what's the fun in doing that ?

DavidB911 · 12-14-2009, 05:00 AM

I dont think there is a correct way of doing things with respect to keeping the battery alive. I've had my dell for about 3 or 4 years and I use the AC power and then about once a week (usually fridays) I unplug it and drain the battery. I think I have lost some of the life it had when its new, but what can you do?

legion · 12-14-2009, 06:22 AM

Li-Ion batteries are extremely tolerant compared to other technologies. They deal with partial discharges well and can take many more charge/discharge cycles than other batteries widely available. They are also relatively expensive and heavy, and like other batteries, do decline over time (though at a slower rate). They tend to fail rather quickly once they are spent. They will also last 3-5 years.

The above is my personal observation based on the fact that I have owned a laptop since they were first available (my first was a 386 with Ni-Cad batteries) and have used just about every battery technology and have run several laptops into the ground.

rfuerst911sc · 12-14-2009, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

Li-Ion batteries are extremely tolerant compared to other technologies. They deal with partial discharges well and can take many more charge/discharge cycles than other batteries widely available. They are also relatively expensive and heavy, and like other batteries, do decline over time (though at a slower rate). They tend to fail rather quickly once they are spent. They will also last 3-5 years.

The above is my personal observation based on the fact that I have owned a laptop since they were first available (my first was a 386 with Ni-Cad batteries) and have used just about every battery technology and have run several laptops into the ground.

Legion based on your experience is there a specific charge/discharge cycle to follow ? And what about leaving a fully charged battery installed when running on the AC adapter ? Thanks

jyl · jyl's Garage

Every battery will last for only so many charge cycles. So if you have access to wall power, use it. Don't unnecessarily use up a charge cycle.

That's about it. Li-Ion are not supposed to have much memory effect so don't worry about it. And modern notebooks use smart charging, they sense the charge state of the battery and won't overcharge.

If you will use the laptop unplugged a lot, switch to a low-power setting in your power management. One should already be set up. Low screen brightness, idle drives, etc. That will extend your hours per charge. I get 5-6 hours from my notebook battery.

Another trick is to carry a 2-to-1 power cord or adapter. So in an airport or meeting room, if the outlet you want is being used by someone else, you can both share it.

legion · 12-14-2009, 07:02 AM

The battery will last 3-5 years, so don't sweat it.

My work laptop (which has two HUGE batteries) I frequently run for 8 hours straight without pluggin in. I expect the battery to last about 3 years.

My home laptop's battery just died after 5 years. The good news is that you can get new laptop batteries for obsolete models for cheap. I just paid $70 shipped for a new 12-cell battery (to replace the dead 6-cell). I get about 4 hours from a charge now.

I expect by the time you need a new battery (3 years if you really abuse it), it will be around $35 for a new one...

rfuerst911sc · 12-14-2009, 07:35 AM

Thanks everyone good feedback.