Lithium-ion batteries have a limited lifespan, they break down slowly from the date they are first. The battery life will depend on how you charge and discharge the battery and the temperature is kept at the battery. A manufacturer will rate a Notebook battery to the point where it's at 50% of its original capacity. At this point, you should replace the battery.

Li-ion batteries are not as durable as nickel metal hybrid or nickel-cadmium designs and canextremely dangerous if mistreated. They are usually more expensive.

Lithium-ion batteries can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes to efficiently fill available space in the devices they power, but Li-ion batteries are lighter than other equivalent secondary batteries.

The energy is stored in these batteries through the movement of lithium ions. Lithium is the third lightest element, which is a significant saving in weight compared to batteries with much heavierMetals. However, the bulk of the electrodes are effectively "housing" for the ions and add weight, and in addition "dead weight" from the electrolyte, current collectors, casing, electronics and conductivity additives reduce the cost per unit mass to little more than other batteries . The strength of the Li-ion chemistry is the high open circuit voltage in comparison to aqueous batteries (for example) lead-acid, nickel-metal hybrid and nickel-cadmium.

An important thingLi-ion batteries do not suffer from memory effect. They also have a low self-discharge of approximately 5% per month, compared with over 30% per month in nickel metal hydride batteries and 10% per month in nickel-cadmium batteries.

Here's a short list of Do's and Don'ts for the care of your Li-On batteries:

Do's

If you get a new notebook or Tablet PC, let the battery fully charged overnight.

Condition a new battery by lifting it until itis completely empty, and then re-charge it completely. This once a month, will contribute to the precisely calibrated your battery.

Always make sure the battery as soon as possible after it is fully discharged recharged. A battery will be permanently damaged if for a longer period of time in a fully discharged state to leave.

Note that a lithium-ion battery will slowly deteriorate, a new battery is always better than one that is 6-months old.

Remember that the half-life battery Is rated for a certain number of charge-discharge cycles (see) this, in your user manual or quick start guide for the assessment. For example, a battery for 3 hours and 500 charge / discharge cycles assessed, is still considered to be within specification, even if it only takes 1 hours 45 minutes after 500 charge-discharge cycles.

Heat is the worst enemy of the battery. Allow plenty of air to circulate around theLaptop / Tablet PC so that the battery is kept as cool as possible when charging and also when in use. If available, use the integrated 'legs' under the notebook to raise the notebook and to improve air circulation.

Remove the battery if storing for several months (the battery was at about 50% or higher).

If you have a NoteBus or charge your notebook or Tablet PCs in a confined space to allow adequate ventilation around the castleBatteries as cool as possible.

Don'ts

Not - the battery to extreme heat or cold Expose (ie) outside the range of 10-35 degrees Celsius ambient temperature.

- Do not store the battery in storage fully charged (batteries) with approximately 50% of the cost.

Do not allow - an almost empty battery, for longer than a month or so unused. The battery will slowly discharge until it is completely empty, and that you will permanently damage the battery cells.

- Not your Laptop / Tablet PC into a carry bag charge - the battery can overheat.

- Not your Laptop / Tablet PC shop when stacked on top of each other - the battery to overheat.

Remember: The battery is slowly degrading the whole time, even if it is not used. Keep your battery as cool as possible to slow down this degradation considerably.

Victor PRADEL is the administrator of laptop support, where you will find manyuseful content about laptop help, troubleshooting and repair.

Related Reviews

• The Most Battery Time From Your Netbook (0)
• Laptops Battery Life (0)

Tags: Battery