How to charge and discharge laptop batteries to extend their lifetime Part 2

This is the second part of how improve the life of laptop battery by Michael Pietroforte

A laptop battery can be charged 300-1000 times. The actual number depends on the way it has been treated. In the last part the influence that the temperature has on a battery’s lifespan was discussed. This article highlights how a battery should be charged and discharged with care.

Fully discharge a new battery and then re-charge it. This calibrates the battery.

Calibrate the battery every 30 charges, i.e., fully discharge it and charge afterwards.

Avoid frequent full discharges. In contrast to NiCd (Nickel-cadmium) and NiMh (Nickel-metal hydride) batteries, Li-ion (Lithium-ion) batteries show no memory effect. That is, it will do no harm to the battery if it is re-charged before it is empty. Full discharges will strain the battery.

Avoid total discharges. Total discharges, i.e., to the cut-off point, can destroy battery cells. Not all cells in a laptop have the same voltage. Your laptop’s battery gauge only displays the state of the whole battery. If a cell goes below a certain voltage it will be destroyed. Therefore, it is safer to stop working when your battery level reaches 20%. The low battery level can be configured under Vista in the advanced power settings applet. Vista will warn you when the battery reaches the low battery level.

The orginial post can be found at:

http://4sysops.com/archives/how-to-charge-and-discharge-laptop-batteries-to-extend-their-lifetime/