How to keep rechargeable battery life longer?

@kaka135 (14931)
Malaysia
December 17, 2010 8:44pm CST
Some of my friends told me to take out the battery of my laptop, and only use the power for the laptop, so it can keep the battery life longer, as it's not used. But another friend told me even if the battery is not in use, it'll eventually die off. So, it's better to always keep it recharged. Use the power and recharge the battery when the battery is low, but use the battery when it's fully charged. What do you say about this? How do you take care of your rechargeable battery life?
1 person likes this
8 responses
celticeagle
@celticeagle (167070)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Dec 10
I think it depends on what product it is. I know in the case of my computer the battery starts losing power immediately when the AC adapter is taken off the computer. So I would read the instructions and see if this is the case with your product. Mine won't work without the battery in it. You can recharge the battery with the AC adapter and then take off the adapter for about four hours of life of the battery. My laptop has to have a battery in it to work.
1 person likes this
Lee Ka
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
22 Dec 10
Hi there, thanks for your response. I didn't know there are some computers that battery must be in in order to get the computers work. Actually I do not take out the battery of my laptop, I just turn on and off the AC adapter, as I still think the battery should be recharged always.
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Lee Ka
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
25 Dec 10
I think most laptop batteries can't last for four hours. The batteries that I've used before, the best life is 3 hours, that's when the battery was still new.
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celticeagle
@celticeagle (167070)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Dec 10
I thought all laptops had to have the battery in. I go downstairs or something for four hours and just use it off the adapter. Battery does need to be recharged at all times and I check it everyonce in a while because I had problems with one and didn't know.
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maean_19
@maean_19 (4655)
• Philippines
18 Dec 10
As far as I know, both can be true. However, the disadvantage of detaching the battery when the laptop is used is that it will loosen up. Why not read the manual and take the tips there. I think the manual discusses tips to maintain the quality of the laptop. Although, everything have a time span or that it likewise deteriorates.
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Lee Ka
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
22 Dec 10
Hi there, thanks for your response. I do agree with you that detaching the battery always can loosen it up which is not good for the laptop as well. I don't remember seeing any tips in the manual, perhaps I should go and check it again. Thanks for reminding.
dragon54u
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
18 Dec 10
When I was married, my husband told me (he knew about these things as a computer specialist) that every few months I should let my rechargeable batteries die completely. I don't know why that is but I have 4 rechargeable batteries that are still good after ten years. If I were you I would let it run completely out occasionally. How are you enjoying being a full time mother?
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Lee Ka
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
21 Dec 10
Hi there, thanks for your response. I think 10 years for a rechargeable battery is really good, and you said they are still in good condition. I think your advice is really good. I really enjoy being a full time mother. I always try to update my news here in mylot, but my time is always occupied, especially by my little one.
adhyz82
@adhyz82 (36249)
• Indonesia
18 Dec 10
i thimk the best is you never use your laptop.. is it easy??
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Lee Ka
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
22 Dec 10
Hi there, thanks for your response. But I don't think if the laptop is never been used, the battery will last for long as well. Unless we don't buy the laptop at all.
emma90
@emma90 (530)
• Indonesia
29 Dec 10
I think it's depend on the product. Beside that, you must keep the battery safely. If I want to use my notebook in a long time, I take off that battery and use the charge. I hope when I use my notebook, the power didn't away LOL :D have a good day...thanks
sostrong
@sostrong (62)
• Indonesia
18 Dec 10
i had proof that it is better to charge when it low and use it when full. it could make your battery life longer. and don't forget to pull off the battery when it is full.
1 person likes this
Lee Ka
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
22 Dec 10
Hi there, thanks for your response. It's good to hear that recharging is better for the battery, as I have been using this method. But, I didn't pull of the battery when it's full.
jillmalitz
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
29 Dec 10
I use my cord but my battery is always in the computer. Occasionally I run my computer on the battery only so that it will run down completely. Then I recharge it. I don't know how true it is but I have heard that batteries should be run completely down before recharging or they will not charge completely.
leefox7
@leefox7 (4)
• India
29 Dec 10
I worked for HP technical Support, and the battery-life was always a major issue, as the Laptop batteries did not even last for 1 year. Thus, Every once a month it is recommended that you drain the battery of all its charge. As in reality the charge that's in the bottom end of the batter does not get used up, and thus reduces the battery life. Thus to increase the life of the battery, just use up the battery completely every once a month, and your battery life should increase by 250%...!!