First, please note that the battery can be in-charge (rechargeable battery) that there are several types. Frequently used for general electronic goods are usually Nickel based (NiCd) and Lithium-based (Lithium-ion). For laptops, at this time almost certainly all use a Lithium-ion type. Besides being able to save more power, Lithium-ion batteries are also more environmentally friendly than NiCd batteries are highly toxic.
Knowing the different types of batteries is very important because the two are very different characteristics. In the NiCd battery, electrolytes that are inside will gather at the bottom (in base) due to the influence of gravity, when stored too long (in storage). That’s why when purchasing a new NiCd battery, it is advisable to charge at least 8 hours (optimum 16-24 hours) before first use. But, when buying electronic equipment that use batteries store party (seller) suggested to charge the battery at least 8 hours before first use, although not a NiCd battery type.
Mistaken assumption that the battery should be used until really (want to) run out before it can be charged again. Again this applies to NiCd, where the batteries of this type there is the phenomenon of “memory effect”, as the battery is able to “remember” the amount of power that are filled during the last charging process. So for example, if the capacity of NiCd batteries still 65% and in-charge to full (which means the battery charge as much as 35%), the battery will be considered as though its capacity to 35%. But, it does not apply to Lithium-ion battery type.
Now, battery type Lithium-ion batteries widely used for other electronic devices such as mobile phones or digital cameras. So the tips below can apply your gadgets that use Lithium-ion battery type. The following tips:
- For the first time, you must use of battery charge normally. As already described above, to charge the battery at least 8 hours for the first time only applies to types of Nickel-based batteries. For Lithium-ion battery, the lack of difference between charging the 1st, 5th, or the 500. In fact, if in-charge for too long can result in Overcharging makes the battery life getting shorter.
- Charge the battery regularly in short intervals without having to wait until the battery is (almost) gone. Battery type Lithium-ion batteries are not familiar with the phenomenon of “memory effect” like NiCd batteries. In fact, research indicates that the batteries are used in-charge when its capacity is still 70% – 75% age 5-6 times longer than batteries that are often in charge when the capacity is almost exhausted.
- Keep the temperature is not too hot. High temperature is the number one enemy of batteries because of the heat will accelerate the degradation of cells in the battery. For as much as possible put the laptop in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight. The habit of putting a laptop in the car on a hot day should also be avoided if you do not want the battery life is reduced drastically.
- Set the air circulation to keep it smooth. Avoid putting a laptop in bed or pillows as this will interfere with air circulation that resulted in the laptop becomes hot quickly. The most practical way is to use cool pad. Coolpad are simple tools that cheap but very useful especially to keep the temperature so that the laptop does not overheat. Additionally, after using a laptop, you should set aside some time so that the laptop be cooler before it is inserted into a laptop bag.
- Wherever possible use a laptop without battery, if at all possible. It is actually my own experience when evaluating my habit to use the laptop. After I thought about it, I was every day at the office using a laptop is like a PC, which is about 6-8 hours non-stop and rarely move. Well if you already like this, seems to be silly if I use a laptop with a back and forth to charge the battery within that time frame. After realizing this, now I almost always turn on my laptop without the battery (direct to power), both during the office or at home. I just use a battery if there are any tasks / purposes beyond that required I use my laptop as a mobile.
- If you want to save the battery for a long time, keep a cool place with a capacity of 40%. There was a study comparing the battery stored in the capacity of 40% with a stored battery with a capacity of 100%. The result, stored battery with a capacity of 100% capacity loss experienced a greater than 40%. I use this knowledge to my digital camera is not very often I use (I usually use weekends only, and even then not every week). Last day, if I have done using a digital camera, I always charge to the brim with ideas that will be used later when it is ready for use. But no anymore. Now I charge a digital camera to the full when it is used.
- Use energy-efficient laptop. By saving energy use laptop then battery life could last longer. There are several ways to save battery life, all of which have been discussed in the article Tips on Saving Battery Notebook/Laptop this.
