question about lap top batteries

[mbaldi]

i just got my first lap top about a month ago. so far ive never been in a situation where i couldnt plug it in.

now im hearing that if im plugging in my lap top i should remove the battery, since it will wear out even though im running power through the plug.

if it makes a difference my laptop is an xps m1710. have a feeling this uses some serious juice so im doubting the battery would last long anyways, but no reason to waste it, looks easy enough to take out. but if its not an issue id rather just leave the battery in there.

thanks in advance.

 

[Brainonska511]

You could unplug the battery when using the laptop plugged in which would save the battery a little since it wouldn't be exposed to the heat of the computer all the time.
Leaving it plugged in is also fine; the battery kind of acts as a UPS for the laptop. Also, Li-on batteries don't have memories, so leaving it plugged in won't lead to a lesser amount of battery-life.

For the record, I leave my battery plugged into my laptop.

 

[Kaervak]

You will shorten the life of the battery by keeping it at 100% charge all the time and in the laptop (mainly because it's near a high heat source). With that said, I really wouldn't worry about it all that much. Do a full discharge at least once a month and you'll be mostly fine. Lithium-Ion batteries "decay" over time with use. Naturally the more you use it the faster it goes. If you absolutely never use the battery and keep the laptop plugged in & stationary, then discharge the battery to 40% and store it out of the laptop. Otherwise you're fine.

 

[IEC]

100% charge all the time is bad. Remove battery when plugged in unless charging. 40% is appropriate for long-term storage. You should charge/discharge to 10% about once a month. These are ways to prolong the life of Li-IONs, as they have a limited # of charge/discharge cycles and heat is just bad for batteries. Eventually the batteries will show reduced running times and perhaps even lose functionality in a cell or two, at which point they should be taken to a RECYCLING center/drop-point. No sense in polluting uselessly when materials can be reclaimed