Like many other digital devices, laptops, and the performance of their processors, batteries are a matter of concern for their owners. There are many common questions or myths that people have about laptop batteries and their performance. So, here is some useful information to help you to clear up some doubts and provide some facts.
Myths v/s Facts
Some of the popular myths along with the facts are given below –
- It’s necessary to fully charge the battery after purchasing a new laptop or new battery
- No, it’s not as long as you’ve power left in your laptop. However, it’s recommended to charge your battery 100% whenever possible.
- It’s necessary to fully discharge the battery before recharging it
- No, it’s not. With the current ion batteries, this practice has no effect on battery run time. You can also run a diagnostic test on the battery to make sure that everything is okay.
- If I keep the charger plugged in, it will affect the charging capacity or shorten the overall battery life.
- No on both cases. The laptop battery actually has some integrated control with the system that stops the charging once the battery gets fully charged. And when plugged in, the computer uses power directly from where it is connected i.e. from the AC source, and not from the battery!!
- How long does it take to fully charge the battery?
- The time varies from system to system. Typically, more than 80% of the battery gets charged after about an hour, and the total charge gets completed in about one and half an hour or two hours maximum if charged with the system off.
- What is the life expectancy of a laptop battery?
- All rechargeable batteries wear out after a certain period of time and usage. Under normal use, batteries usually have a life expectancy of 18-24 months. However, in cases where a laptop is used extensively, a reduction in battery efficiency can occur before this time.
Final Words
- What can I do to extend battery run time?
- Use the power-saving controls on the laptop to reduce battery usage on ordinary days. Disable certain features whenever possible or not necessary; such as Bluetooth, Wi-fi, and external devices. Reduce the screen brightness to the optimum level. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures; if this does happen, wait for the battery to return to normal temperature before charging. Make sure to have a proper ventilation system in the room.
