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laptop battery myths...

G

guynexdoor

Member
I just bought a new laptop, and I was told that I should use it while it's plugged in as much as possible, because if I constantly drain the batteries, it'll decrease the battery lifespan..

but then, I was told that I should unplug it when it is fully charged...meaning, I should not keep it charging...but I figured if it's fully charged, then it'll be OK.

what's the real deal with this issue?

 
All batteries lose capacity with ongoing use over a period of even just a year. Lithium ion batteries are no exception but behave much better over the long term that nickel metallic batteries. That said, I've been a notebook user for 10 years, and since having litium ion batteries in my laptops, I've never given it a thought to how I treat the batteries. When I'm plugged in... I'm plugged in... when I'm not, I'm on battery. I've never had to replace a lithium ion battery like I always did with the older technology. I do notice decreased capacity in my lithium ions after several months, but I replace my laptops frequently.

I would plan on buying a replacement battery after a year of use if you absolutely need a battery at it's highest capacity charge for use. Then use the old one for a spare.
 
yes, the charger won't overcharge and fry the battery. With that said, if you plan to have the laptop on the desk most of the time and if it runs hot, you should remove the battery to minimize heat exposure.
 
Hi, Some Laptop User's Manuals recommended removing the battery when not needed. The intent was to charge the batt to 100% and then remove it. Chargers are probably more inteligent now, so that may not be good advice. Check your manual. Maybe it will help you. Luck, Jim
 
The reason (so I've read) not to leave it plugged in is due to heat. Higher heat will kill the battery faster.

Try this: feel the temp of the battery when it's charging, and feel the temp of it when you're using it (from the battery). Not too hot, is it. Now keep using it and plug it in. You'll notice the difference.

BtW: I'm using a laptop right now.

RoD
 
Some crappy laptops will overcharge the battery. On my old laptop, plugging the battery in even if it's fully charged increases power consumption by ~12 watts. I know this because I have a wall outlet power meter. buy yourself one of those if you rally want to know. On my laptop at work, the battery doesn't seem to heat up while plugged in so maybe my work laptopis smarter about that sort of thing.
 
Originally posted by: zephyrprime
Some crappy laptops will overcharge the battery. On my old laptop, plugging the battery in even if it's fully charged increases power consumption by ~12 watts. I know this because I have a wall outlet power meter. buy yourself one of those if you rally want to know. On my laptop at work, the battery doesn't seem to heat up while plugged in so maybe my work laptopis smarter about that sort of thing.
Click to expand...

Most laptops, when plugged into AC power, realize they can afford to suck a few extra watts, and therefore ramp up the clock speed of the CPU/GPU, switch fans to Always On, upgrade WiFi/BT transmit power ... so the truth could be "rally" different from what you're looking at.

- M4H
 
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