Understanding Laptop Batteries

[Kamui]

Hi guys,
I just got my first laptop and I have a question about the battery.
Some time ago, I heard from my friend that laptop batteries suffer from a problem called the "memory effect". This meant that the lifespan of laptop batteries would decrease the more we use it. Now, they have invented this new battery using Lithium ion...which has no "memory effect" Does this mean that I can say... recharge my battery whenever I want. In other words, just plug it in even though the battery has 80% of its capacity. Or should I wait until the battery is fully discharge before I recharge it again.

Thanks

Kamui

 

[dethman]

laptop batteries, even lion, will degrade eventually no matter how well you use them. it's an inevitable and unfortunate fact.

 

[amnesiac]

Li-Ion batteries are different in that you DON'T want them to discharge completely. Keeping them charged as often as possible is much better for them.

 

[UltraWide]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0
Li-Ion batteries are different in that you DON'T want them to discharge completely. Keeping them charged as often as possible is much better for them.

This is correct. Don't let it drop below 30% charge.

 

[mra]

It is perfectly fine to cycle LiIon batteries all the way down. The difference is that they don't need to be cycled nearly as much as other batteries.

 

[erickotz]

Originally posted by: mra
It is perfectly fine to cycle LiIon batteries all the way down. The difference is that they don't need to be cycled nearly as much as other batteries.

WRONG. LiOn (and Li-Polymer) batteries have preferences similar to those of Lead Acid batteries. They are the opposite of NiCad and NiMh batteries. LiOn batteries should NOT be cycled down completely-they preffer shallow discharge cycles. Cycling them down completely reduces their capacity. They do NOT have a memory effect.
For EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about batteries, check out http://www.buchmann.ca/