How to Maintain a Laptop Battery

Getting to know your battery......


For the most part, there are three different battery types. The two most common are NickelMetalHydride (NiMH) and LithiumIon (LiIon) batteries. If you or your client has purchased a new laptop, then you will most likely have the new LiIon battery. The LiIon battery happens to have a pretty decent charge life, but it it still needs to be properly conditioned in order to work right.

Conditioning your battery......

First and foremost, make sure you fully charge the battery before using it - sometimes up to 16 hours. (In a number of cases, your laptop may have a battery conditioner utility built into the laptop’s BIOS)
Maintaining your battery
There are a variety of things that you can do to keep your laptop battery running in tip-top shape.

• Condition it every two to three weeks. Completely discharge it and then recharge it completely. This will help the battery maintain maximum life.
• When running off the AC power unit, only leave the battery in the battery bay when it needs to be charged.
• Use the power sparingly. Set up your power settings to turn off the hard drive when the system is in an idle mode. Same with the screen.

Tips and Warnings........

• A heavily used battery will probably require replacement in about 18 months. Be prepared to buy a new one if you rely heavily on your battery.
• Keep a spare battery on hand if you rely on battery power a great deal. Might save you from losing your work!
• Batteries that don't charge to 100 percent are probably starting to have issues with recharging. It will probably need to be replaced soon.
• If your computer manufacturer issues a recall for your battery, do not hesitate to send it back for a replacement. You don't want your laptop melting down on you, and that's meant in the literal sense. People can and have had their laptops melt or explode because of defective batteries.
• Use your laptop on a raised surface, such as a book to prop it up, or a portable desk made especially to keep your laptop cool. Batteries can get very hot, and if your laptop cannot vent properly, it can cause problems with the processor.