Monday, December 17, 2007

Guide To Maximize Laptop Battery Life

Like all other batteries, your computer's battery will degrade over time. This means that the battery's performance will diminish with time and use. To maximize your battery's life, you are advised to adhere to the recommendations set out below.

Conditioning a new battery pack Before you use a battery pack for the first time, there is a "conditioning" process that you should follow:
1 Insert the new battery without turning the computer on.
2 Connect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery.
3 Disconnect the AC adapter.
4 Turn on the computer and operate using battery power.
5 Fully deplete the battery until the battery-low warning appears.
6 Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again.

Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more
than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.

Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0°C
(32°F) or above 45°C (113°F). Extreme temperatures may adversely
affect the battery pack.

By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to accept the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will prevent you from obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten the effective lifespan of the battery. In addition, the useful lifespan of the battery is adversely affected by the following usage patterns:
• Using the computer on constant AC power with the battery
inserted. If you want to use constant AC power, you are advised to
remove the battery pack after it is fully charged.

• Not discharging and recharging the battery to its extremes, as
described above.
• Frequent use; the more you use the battery, the faster it will reach
the end of its effective life. A standard computer battery has a life
span of about 300 charges.

Optimising battery life
Optimizing battery life helps you get the most out of battery
operation, prolonging the charge/recharge cycle and improving
recharging efficiency. You are advised to follow the suggestions set
out below:
• Purchase an extra battery pack.
• Use AC power whenever possible, reserving battery for on-the-go
use.
• Eject a PC Card if it is not being used, as it will continue to draw
power (for selected model).
• Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended
temperature is 10°C (50°F) to 30°C (86°F). Higher temperatures
cause the battery to self-discharge faster.
• Excessive recharging decreases the battery life.
• Look after your AC adapter and battery.

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