| Laptop batteries are of three kinds - Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Ion (LiON). They differ in cost, weight and specific characteristics.
Lithium Ion (LiON) batteries are commonly recommended to use in technically advanced makes of laptops. These batteries have enough power to run laptops as well as accessories, such as MP3 players, DVD players and USB devices.
They are not that heavyweight as NiCd and NiMH batteries and have no memory effect.
If used properly, LiON batteries are expected to run for approximately three years, but it is important to clarify that the three-year period of time begins when batteries are actually manufactured and not when you start to exploit them. A laptop battery should be replaced or re-charged when the pc cannot run anymore unless attached to the supply of electricity through an adapter. Below are several guidelines to prolong battery's longevity.
• Avoid frequent complete discharges, because this puts additional strain on a battery. Partial discharges with frequent recharges are preferable for lithium-ion batteries than a complete discharge. Recharging partially charged lithium-ion batteries is safe, since they have no memory. Short pc battery's life in a laptop is normally caused by heat rather than charge - discharge patterns.
• Batteries with fuel gauge (laptops) should be calibrated by applying a deliberate full discharge once every thirty charges. Otherwise, the fuel gauge will become considerably less precise and the pc can go dead prematurely.
• Make use of coolers (available on the market) for the laptop temperature to comply with the requirements specified by the manufacturer.
• Consider removing a pc battery from a laptop that is run on a fixed power. (Some laptop manufacturers are worried about moisture and dust accumulating inside the laptop battery casing.)
• Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Pay attention to the date of expiration. Never buy old stock, even if it is sold at lower costs.
• If you have got a spare lithium-ion battery, deploy one to the fullest and keep the other one cool by placing it into the refrigerator. Do not freeze the laptop battery. For elongated storage, keep the pc battery at a 40% charge level.
Before deploying any laptop, remember to read a manual supplied. |
