what battery for a 15" LAPTOP would be the best and do I need to NOT plug it in until it totally dies? my husband insists this will make the charge last longer.
yes, he is right... it doesn't have to die completely, but draining the battery before plugging it in again does preserve battery life for the sort of batteries used in computers (Lithium I believe?). Get a battery appropriate for that computer.
My kids just both got brand new laptops (I posted on your previous question about that) and the instructions that came with them said fully charge the battery, then fully DIScharge the battery (until dead) and then fully charge. After that, it said that partially recharging or recharging when not fully dead does not affect battery life as it doesn't affect the "battery memory" like it used to do in the older technology.
So, at one time, that was probably right. And still might be for some machines/batteries. But it sounds like the newer technology only requires you to fully discharge them that first time. After that, it isn't necessary any more.
My husband insists the same - he is usually right. =)
I don't know if it's true or not. I didn't do that and now my laptop is basically a desk top because the battery charge is so terrible.
that's the way it has been for me......there are those who say it's hogwash but I wait to charge until it's dead.
I would look that up on Myth Busters or some other IT website. Everyone hears old wives tales but they are improving stuff all the time.
The IT guy in the room here said the dying off before recharging only applies
to Ni-Cad batteries. Those are often found in less expensive tools such as rechargeable screwdrivers under $20.
That does not apply to Lithium Ion batteries which is what better rechargeable batteries almost always are. Check to see what kind you have.
Exactly how would you prove it is wrong. Buy two laptops and see which battery dies quicker?
It is what the manufactures of the batter recommend. Why I do not know other than the first charge will always be the longest so perhaps to define for the laptop the max life of that specific battery.
Oh they will still hold a charge regardless, it is said it won't hold as long of a charge if you don't.
Funny, I read somewhere that you shouldn't charge your battery until it's completely dead. So, I have been doing this with my laptop. My husband has not. We got our laptops at the same time (about 4 years ago) and today mine holds a charge MUCH longer than his. Maybe there is something to that "rumor"!! I don't know what battery you need. I'd take the laptop to the store and ask them.
I don't know which is true or not, but I have a nook color and the instruction manual said NOT to let it die all the way as it could shorten battery life. I don't remember what kind of battery it has. So I think that it may be different for different types of technologies or different types of batteries? not sure... :-)
I know that used to be true for cell phones but not anymore. The battery technology has changed and you don't have to let it die to obtain a better/longer charge.
Probably just need to do some google searches/research to find out what would work best for your laptop.
