Laptop battery life?

Question

Does it affect your battery if you keep your laptop plugged in charging even though it is already full? I have heard that this can make you battery life a lot shorter.

Answer 1

I haven't really noticed a considerable effect when it comes to loss of battery life but I know it does break down slightly faster then usual if it is charging at full life. To maximize it try to find out exactly how long it takes to charge or keep an eye on it and make sure to unplug once it becomes full. Also if you are using the battery while it is plugged it (i.e; the comp is on while plugged in) it doesnt really have any effect except keep the battery charged.

Answer 2

NOT TRUE. Urban myth. Old wives tale. It USED to be (15 years ago) that this was a problem with old NiCD batteries which had poorly designed charging circuitry, which some old laptops HAD. Today, with modern LiOH or NiMH cells, the chargers are so smart it no longer matters. The smart charger of today controls the charge/discharge cycle very tightly which actually promotes a longer life.

Answer 3

It can because the power outlet with still be sending constant power to your laptop, it won't be that much as if it were charging but be enough to damage it in the long run. Simple fix when your plugged in to an outlet just take out the battery if you are able, a lot of laptop batteries just slide out and you won't have to worry. Or just unplug the cord out of the back of you laptop when it does fully charge, then when it gets low just plug it back in again.

The battery is a litium ion battery, they are more efficient at handling power than your convention batteries, ie AA. But over time the improper charging will "kill" it. That's a large problem for modern cell phones that use the same battery as your laptop just smaller.

Answer 4

Battery workout !!.  Do not leave a charged battery dormant for long periods of time.  Once charged, you should at least use the battery at least once every two to three weeks. Also, do not let a Li-On battery completely discharge. (Discharging is only for older batteries with memory effects)

Prevent the Memory Effect - If you’re using a very old laptop, you’ll want to prevent the ‘memory effect’ - Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries (which most laptops have) which do not suffer from the memory effect.