Computer Battery
The battery is the power source of your computer. It is very important especially when there is no available electrical outlet to plug in your computer. Batteries can be quite expensive, that's why you need to maximise their use.
Different Computer Batteries
Ni-Cd (nickel cadmium) is one of the oldest type of computer batteries. Older laptops often run on this type of battery. It is able to handle higher electrical loads, but it suffers from memory effect. Memory effect is the phenomenon where the battery requires recharging even when it has only used up 50% of its capacity. It tends to "forget" that there's still remaining another 50% to be used.
Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride) is the the most common battery cell type in the market today. Many computers run on this battery. This battery type is comparatively cheap, but is prone to "memory effect". It's important to take good care of the battery to maximise its runtime.
Li-ion (lithium ion) is one of the new battery cells available in the market today. It's also the lightest battery and the easiest to care for. It doesn't suffer from "memory effect," but can be more expensive due to high engineering costs.
How to Take Good Care of Computer Batteries
There are some basic things to remember in order to achieve maximum and efficient computer battery usage:
- Condition new computer batteries a few times or at least twice a month (except Li-ion, which doesn't need conditioning). Conditioning is done by fully charging and discharging the computer batteries.
- If you won't use your computer battery for at least a month, remove it from the computer and store it in a cool, dry and clean place.
- Charge your computer battery once every two to three weeks to make its runtime last long.
