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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 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-