All About Laptop Batteries

Rechargeable batteries have undergone an evolution. The first ones were NiCd (nickel cadmium)and they had a memory problem; if you charged a half drained battery you could only charge it half way the next time. Then, came the NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries which are used in cameras, kids’ toys and whatever you need rechargeable batteries for.

Today’s laptops are using lithium-ion batteries. Over time, like any battery, they will lose their ability to hold a charge and need to be replaced (even if it isn't being used). However, they are different from the batteries in the past in that they should not be completely drained or they will lose their ability to hold a charge sooner. HP recommends never using more than 60% of the battery power. When you need to charge your battery several times a day, then you know it’s time to replace it. HP also suggests that laptop batteries need to be replaced every year. While that may be a little bit of a stretch, they don't last forever. Since they are so costly, here are some tips to extend the life of your laptop battery.

• The best thing you can do to extend your battery life is not use it. But, that's what it is for, right? Yes and no. It's designed to be used when electrical power is not available. If you are sitting at your desk, plug it in to AC (and leave the battery in your laptop case for when you really need it.)
• Having a second battery reduces the number of charges to one battery. It also gives you extra time while stuck on a long flight.
• Never charge a battery for more than 8 hours. Check the manufacturer’s website for charging times and follow them!
• Many manufacturers have battery check programs. Consult the help section of your computer to find the battery check program for your laptop. Such programs will provide you a graphical look at the condition of your battery which can be more accurate than what Windows or the battery meter in the sys tray shows. Charging and recharging a battery confuses Windows and it eventually will start give you bad readings. Use a battery check program for accurate results.
• Never remove or insert the battery with the AC power on.

Finally, some tips on how to get the most out of your charge:

• Don’t watch DVDs on battery power.
• Don’t run intensive applications (like games and CAD) on battery power.
• Turn off your wireless radio signal when not connecting wirelessly. (Many laptop models have a button near their keyboards with a blue light lit when wireless is on)
• Reduce the brightness of your screen. A really bright screen is a big battery hog.
• Don’t store your laptop and battery at places where there are temperature extremes. Too cold or too hot for you is too cold or too hot for your computer battery.

As with all technology topics, it pays to do your homework. Read the documentation for your computer and follow the instructions for your model. They are ridiculously pricey because they are not standardized across computer manufacturers.