Get The Most Information About Your Laptop Lithium Battery
I get a lot of questions about laptop batteries around the first of the new year.One of the biggest reasons is that many people get a laptop for a gift (or give themselves the laptop).I do computer repair and deal with laptops issues often.Having been a laptop owner myself for more years than I care to remember,I also face the laptop battery problems any user might.Laptop batteries have come a long way since the first ones in the 90s.The latest type,lithium batteries,are a huge improvement in both power and endurance.
But any laptop battery is subject to two very basic factors in determining the life cycle.The number of “charge cycles” (how many times the battery can be charged to 100% and depleted) and exposure to heat.The cycles eat into the ability of the battery to hold a charge and the heat causes the chemicals to lose their ability to recharge.The shelf life of any laptop battery is limited too.So if you are shopping for a replacement battery always check the date of manufacturer.If older than two years I would pass.Batteries do deteriorate over time just setting on the shelf regardless of use.It’s a chemical thing and the ability to hold a full charge.
There is also a lot of misinformation about laptop lithium battery in general based on the older models and technology.You do not need to totally drain the new lithium models.Its fine to use it until you get a warning of low power but don’t purposely try to push it to empty since there is no reason to do so now.And if you do push it to absolute no power you might also experience some lose of data,a very good reason not to go that route.Another common question is do I take out my battery while running on DC power?The answer is yes,this is due to the heat problem mentioned above.
The amount of heat and duration can impact your battery’s life so it’s a good idea to remove it when plugged in to help limit the amount of heat exposed to when possible.A majority of laptop users only use their laptops away from power in frequently so this could really be a big factor in making your battery last a long time.So what is a normal life expectancy of the newer batteries?You should check your manufacturer’s specifications but the average is 300-500 cycles.So that number can mean different time periods for different users since it’s very dependent of how often you use just battery power for operation.
Some manufacturers recommend that if you are going to store it for a long time to do it at half charge.The thing to realize about any battery is it does have a measurable lifespan and efforts to extend it will help but not stop the eventual demise.So the number one thing that you can do to extend the life of any of the newer lithium batteries is always take it out if you are running on DC power to lessen the heat impact.Whenever buying any replacement batteries,always check the manufacture date and try to find the newest one available.
From what I’ve seen from personal and customers use is to figure about 24-28 months is the average.Longer when you use it less away from DC power and if you remember to always remove when using DC power.When you do remove your battery you should store it in a cool and dry area.Some people go as far as to stick it in the refrigerator but that may not always be possible or convenient.I generally just put it in my laptop carrier so I don’t forget it when I get ready to travel.I usually store it fully charged so it will have its maximum life when I use it.
Article From: http://www.batteryfaq.net/battery-news/get-the-most-information-about-your-laptop-lithium-battery-1934.html
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