Previous by DateNext by Date Date Index
Previous by ThreadNext by Thread Thread Index
LM_NET Archive



ORIGINAL Question:
Hello:  I have a laptop computer and I recently had to replace the
battery.  When I bought the laptop I did not get any manual on care of the
battery.  Can anyone give me tips on care of a laptop battery.  I would
certainly appreciate your help so I can lengthen the life of the
battery.  I am illiterate in this area. I have heard "do this...do that...."


Robert Joyce
virginialibrarymediaspecialist@yahoo.com
Halifax County Virginia: Scottsburg Elem

REPLIES:

http://www.mobilizenow.com/dis_batterycare.cfm


Laptop batteries are better than ever these days, but it is always good
to
follow past practices.  First, if the battery isn't charged, then
completely
charge it.  Then run your laptop on battery until it completely is
drained.
Recharge the battery without interruption until full.  This supposedly
gives
the battery a "memory" to always charge completely even if you recharge
the
battery halfway through its use.  However, over time the battery will
begin
to lose its length of time until you need to replace it.

If your second wears out too quickly (within 3 months) then you may
have
another problem with the laptop.  You'll need to contact your laptop
technical service.  They will help you perform several tests over the
phone
to determine possible problems.  Some problems will mean you will have
to
send your computer in for repair.

I've had three laptops over the years..I love them.  On a new battery,
drain th ebattery completely, then charge completely a couple of
times...this helps the computer's software establish a benchmark for
its
battery indicator, so it 'knows' how long the battery should last.  If
it
is a lithium ion battery (the most common type these days), you do NOT
always have to drain the battery completely before recharging, but it
is a
good idea to do this one in a while.  Do something that will drain the
battery completely (watch a movie if you have a dvd drive, for
example),
then completely charge the battery.  Repeated short use cycles (use
15-20
min, then recharge, for example) are not good for any type of battery,
but
will dramatically shorten the life of a nickle metal hydride battery
(the
less common kind found in older laptops).  Lithium ion batteries are
much
more tolerant of short use cycles, but even they will deteriorate under
such use.

First, it would depend on the type of battery.  It will be one of the
following 3 types (I've also listed how to handle each).  You should
see one
of these descriptions directly on the battery itself.

1.  Ni-Cad (Nickel Cadium).  Should be completely depleted before
recharging.  If the battery has been completely used, and recharged and
does
not have any life, consider taking it to a battery centre and having
them
clear the "memory" that may have built up there.

2.  Ni-Mh (Nickel Metal Hydride).  Can be readily used and recharged,
no
need to deplete first as with NiCad.

3.  Li-Ion (Lithium Ion).  Best and newest.  Longer life, longer use
per
charge.  No need to completely deplete.

I have heard that storing batteries in cool, dry places is usually best
for
longevity.  Also, take a look to see if there is any software to help
monitor the battery life/usage included with the computer to see if
they
have any tips.

If you ever have a need (or know someone who does) for library
automation
solutions, I would ask you to review our website at
www.insigniasoftware.com
for more information.  We offer free interactive demonstrations of our
software for anyone who is interested.




---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-
All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
LM_NET Help & Information: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archive: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.shtml
LM_NET Select/EL-Announce: http://www.cuenet.com/archive/el-announce/
LM_NET Supporters: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/ven.html
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-

LM_NET Mailing List Home