leaving laptop plugged in

[chrisz9t]

can i safely leave a toshiba laptop plugged in to the ac and use the machine like a desktop. do i need to remove the battery.

 

[fffblackmage]

I don't believe there's any safety issue with leaving the battery in, but it would be good for your battery's lifespan if you do take it out if you plan on leaving the laptop plugged in for long periods of time (~1 month or more). I also recommend draining the battery half-way before taking it out. IIRC, Li-ion batteries tend to degrade quicker if they're left at full charge.

 

[aceO07]

The Thinkpad (and probably other IBM/Lenovo) laptops have software that set when to recharge. So, I could leave my battery in while it's plugged in. The battery will just sit until it's needed.

I have it set so it doesn't recharge until it drops to 79% and then it recharges to 97% and stops.

 

[hans007]

The Thinkpad (and probably other IBM/Lenovo) laptops have software that set when to recharge. So, I could leave my battery in while it's plugged in. The battery will just sit until it's needed.

I have it set so it doesn't recharge until it drops to 79% and then it recharges to 97% and stops.

yeah my thinkpad has that too... i sent it to like 75%.

i did have a dell that did not have this feature a latitude at work, and it easily destroyed a battery from every being able to hold a charge again (D630 model...... hence i dont buy a latitude for personal use)

 

[corkyg]

I have my T510 connected all the time - but, I removed the battery. I don't depend on software, and it is fool proof this way. The battery is stored in a protective bag at about 40-50% charge. It will last for years like that. For me, the battery is for airport use on travel.

 

[chrisz9t]

if i take the battery out of a t520 will the wireless card suffer or will performance of the computer slow down

 

[corkyg]

if i take the battery out of a t520 will the wireless card suffer or will performance of the computer slow down

No, to both questions. They might even get better.

 

[mshan]

Any particular type of bag I should store my laptop battery in?

 

[corkyg]

Any particular type of bag I should store my laptop battery in?

I just use bubble wrap and put that in the bottom of my travel case. For more "coolness" there are nice foam lined wraps in various sizes at office supply stores.

 

[mshan]

So the bag is more for protection against shocks and drops?

If laptop just stays at home, can I just put battery in drawer, or should there be something like anti-static bag, etc for reason other than mechanical shock?

 

[corkyg]

Anti-static is not necessary, but it won't hurt. The main purpose of a bag or wrap is to keep the contacts clean. I used to keep mine on a shelf next to the laptop site, but . . . i ran out of space there, so I just put it in the bag. That way I won't forget it if I take off quickly. 🙂