[Ti] Battery life

[Dennis Fazio]

--On Friday, December 27, 2002 09:11 AM +0700 Robert Nicholson 
<robert at elastica.com> wrote:

> On this subject is it definately recommended that the machine should be
> used as in
> run down - charge - run down - charge
> and not
> always in the AC adaptor all the time the machine is on desk?

Quoting the key points from <http://www.buchmann.ca/Chap10-page6.asp>, a 
book on batteries in portable equipment:

The Li-ion batteries prefer a shallow discharge. Partial discharges produce 
less wear than a full discharge and the capacity loss per cycle is reduced. 
A periodic full discharge is not required because the lithium-based battery 
has no memory.

In addition to cycling, the battery ages even if not used. [...]  For best 
results, keep the battery cool. In addition, store the battery at a 
40 percent charge level. Never fully charge or discharge the battery before 
storage. The 40 percent charge assures a stable condition even if 
self-discharge robs some of the battery?s energy. Most battery 
manufacturers store Li-ion batteries at 15°C (59°F) and at 40 percent 
charge.

Simple Guidelines

*	Charge the Li-ion often, except before a long storage. Avoid repeated 
deep discharges.
*	Keep the Li-ion battery cool. Prevent storage in a hot car. Never freeze 
a battery.
*	If your laptop is capable of running without a battery and fixed power is 
used most of the time, remove the battery and store it in a cool place.

They also say to not buy older batteries, even at clearance prices, but 
that I believe that may be extreme.
--
Dennis Fazio
dfz at mac.com