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+--- Thread: Tip: Discharge your batteries! (/thread-40.html)
Tip: Discharge your batteries! - TFMF - 11-16-2009 09:02 AM
I've been getting a bit lazy with my laptop lately. Unplugging and plugging it in randomly when it suits me rather than waiting for my battery to deplete completely before recharging fully again. This convenience was great, up until I noticed my battery wear level at 24% (A rise of almost 10%). Since I didn't want to have a permanently plugged in laptop, I decided to start using my battery properly.
My battery wear has dropped below 15% now!
So the moral of the story:
- Don't listen to me.
- Read the posts below!
RE: Tip: Discharge your batteries! - Guest - 11-17-2009 01:37 AM
I'm no expert on batteries, but I think maybe you're confusing two different things:
1. Battery life indication becomes inaccurate over time, but accuracy is restored when you fully discharge the battery, thereby resetting the battery life calculations.
2. Discharging your battery to less than 30% actually decreases battery life
Seems to me that what you probably experienced was that the battery life calculations were inaccurate and became more accurate after you did a full discharge. On the other hand, if you repeatedly fully discharge your battery, you'll find that the battery life indication is more accurate, but the actual life of your battery will be shorter!
Please, someone who is more knowledgeable than me, chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.
RE: Tip: Discharge your batteries! - Chris - 11-17-2009 02:03 PM
From my research, what you said is just about right. You should only discharge your battery fully every few months to recalibrate it. You should recharge it completely (100%) before unplugging it. The last few percents are the ones that take the longest to charge.
RE: Tip: Discharge your batteries! - TFMF - 11-18-2009 12:10 PM
* TFMF has learned something today.
Thanks for the clarification, guys!
RE: Tip: Discharge your batteries! - Guest - 11-19-2009 02:29 AM
Here's the way I try to use my netbook:
1. Try to run on battery only without being plugged in. (This is easier on a netbook, because I have 4+ hours of battery life. If you charge while running the PC, you generate more heat, which is bad for the battery.
2. Recharge completely with the PC shutdown, then disconnect the power.
3. If I'm not going to use the computer for a day or so, I put the battery in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator. This keeps the temp low and hopefully prolongs the battery life. This is even more important if you're not going to use the battery for an extended period.
I know that it's better to store the battery at less than full charge, but I find that's not usually practical. If you don't have a full charge, then you end up running out of juice and having to recharge while using the PC.
Anyway, that's my practice. I would appreciate any advice to the contrary!