Tips on batteries for laptop computer

Almost all of us face problems handling the batteries for laptop computer, especially when charging for the first time. Here we have come up with a few tips on charging, storing and other miscellaneous aspects of the laptop battery.

Let's get started with some...

Tips for first time charging of laptop batteries

The batteries for laptop computer are in a discharged state when shipped, thus they need to be charged before use. Usually new batteries are difficult to charge as they have never been charged previously and they tend to been in an unformed state.

Sometimes the charger of your device will stop charging a new laptop battery before it's fully charged. All you need to do in such a case is simply remove the battery from the device and then re-insert it. This might happen many times during the first charging process. But this is quite common and there's nothing much to worry about it.

Upon initial use the batteries for laptop computer require two to three charge/discharge cycles before attaining maximum capacity. When you purchase the batteries then you must charge it to 100% and then discharge it completely. Repeat this process of full charging and discharging two more times. This will help the battery remember the amount of charge it can hold.

Usually for new laptop batteries an overnight charge of about 12 hours is recommended. The best charging guidelines or information can be obtained from your copy of the user's manual.

Tips for storing batteries for laptop computer

Rechargeable batteries when left unused undergo self-discharging. It's better to remove the battery from the laptop if the battery for laptop computer will not be in use for one month or longer.

When the laptop is to be kept unused for a longer period of time say 5 to 6 months then it should be at a 50% charged state. In such a case The battery must be periodically discharged and recharged. However storing the battery with full charge might lead to loss of battery capacity.

While storing the battery follow the maintenance processes as recommended in the user's manual. Store the battery in a cool, clean and dry place.

Check with the battery manufacturer for the notebook comfort zone. Stick to the specific temperature zone as suggested by the manufacturer. Avoid exposing the battery for laptop computer to high temperature as it can be the battery's worst enemy.

Quick tips for daily handling and care

• Fully discharge and recharge the non Li-ion batteries for laptop computer once every two to three weeks. Failure to do so may reduce the battery life significantly. To discharge, simply run your device under the battery's power untill it shuts down or a low battery warning is recieved. After this recharge the battery to full charge.
• While charging for normal use it's common for the battery to get warm. There is nothing in it to worry. But in case it gets too hot, there might be a problem with the device. In such case it's advisable to take the services of a qualified personnel.
• Follow the correct recharging procedure for your laptop. Use the power cord that came with your laptop or go for an authorised one.
• Do not short circuit the terminal or store your battery pack with metal parts.
• Do not drop or mutilate the battery pack.
• Do not expose the batteries of laptop computer to moisture or water.
• Optimze the laptop's power management features to make the best use of laptop power. Power management is a trade off where you get better power conservation in exchange for lesser computer performance.
• While purchasing go for batteries with internal processors e.g Li-ion batteries.

• While the laptop battery is not being used, detach it from the laptop. This will increase the laptop battery life.

  When you are plugged in with your ac adapter and your battery is fully charged, the laptop will still use the laptop battery resources in small increments. This puts unnecessary charge cycles to the batteries of laptop computer.

  However, the draw back of detaching the battery may be a loss of power when the AC adapter is accidentally unplugged or there is a power outage.

• Keep a spare battery as a backup. Whenever possible use the backup battery in rotation with the current battery.

Hope this page helped you with information that you need to be comfortable with your laptop batteries.

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