Just got my first laptop - I have battery questions

[BlueWeasel]

I just got a Toshiba lappy and I have a question about the battery. The Toshiba docs recommend fully discharging the battery at least once a month and the recharging fully.

I forsee using AC power the majority of the time I will be using the laptop. However, is it best to let the battery nearly run completely down before recharging? IE, does recharging the battery ONLY when necessary prolong the life of the battery?

And I assume its good to run off of the battery every now and then?

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

Recharging the battery after a full discharge will help to maintain the original charge level of the battery when new. When you partially drain and charge a battery it can develop what is referred to as "memory effect." What happens is that the battery stops working or indicates that it needs a recharge when it reaches the level that you normally recharge it. Fully discharging and then recharging should help prevent this. Rechargeable batteries have a limit to the number of charge cycles they can handle so start looking for a replacement when you get close to the battery's limit.

 

[wfbberzerker]

Originally posted by: ST4RCUTTER
Recharging the battery after a full discharge will help to maintain the original charge level of the battery when new. When you partially drain and charge a battery it can develop what is referred to as "memory effect." What happens is that the battery stops working or indicates that it needs a recharge when it reaches the level that you normally recharge it. Fully discharging and then recharging should help prevent this. Rechargeable batteries have a limit to the number of charge cycles they can handle so start looking for a replacement when you get close to the battery's limit.

i believe the latest generation of batteries no longer have this problem.

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

i believe the latest generation of batteries no longer have this problem.

Pretty much. Certainly not as much as NiCd and older types of rechargeable power cells. Now days most batteries are good till they have reached their cycle limits.

 

[DaFinn]

Also,

If you will be using AC most of the time, you only want to charge the battery and take it out whenever you use AC. Only but the battery in when using w. battery power/ recharging. This will also help prolong the battery life!


-DaFinn

 

[MainFramed]

I have a sony vaio laptop, and i have re-charged before a full discharge and it seems like i am getting the same amount of battery life. I havent really payed attention to it tho.