My dell inspiron 1420 is on for about 12 hours a day, all the time plugged to the ups power. Does this reduce the battery life ? Of late, when I run on battery during my travel, I see that my battery operation time keeps dropping off, from 4 hours a year ago to 3, 2 to 1 hour today.
Any tips ?
I have observed that it is best to keep the battery out if you do not need it for a longer period of time. Constant recharging does not seem to be healthy. But this is not a scientific statement - just an observation. And should your battery die, here is a place where you can get a replacement for a reasonable price.
@amkeew, just one other thing. When you do not use the laptop for a longer period of time (a month or more), take the battery out. I once forgot to take it out and went away for 6 months. When I came back, it was dead. That's how I found the link I posted above for a reasonably priced replacement.
@Rick, nice to see that you are back. I got worried you might have had an accident in one of your flying stunts - LOL. But seriously, I said to the wife." I wonder whether Rick is OK".
Rick, good to hear that everything is OK. Take it easy - I know this vertigo effect.
@amkeev, a switch would not be the same thing. As long as there is a connection, there is always a chance of "creeping" electricity that would deplete the battery. If e.g. you left your car sitting for a year, your battery would be dead - even though you switched it off with the key. So it is important that all contacts are being cut.
Wait, I'm sort of confused here. As long as I'm connected to a power source via a plug, it's ok to remove the battery? Also, what do you mean by full discharge(Does this mean take the battery down to 0%?) The reasons I'm asking this is because I pretty much never use my laptop without it being plugged in.
In your case I would suggest to leave the battery out (when you are most of the time on house current). Just put it in a day before you plan to travel with the laptop so that you have a charged battery. What Rick meant with "full discharge" (I think) is that you do not always want to recharge just because you lost 20% of the charge. It is the little ups and downs that is not good for the battery - a full discharge and then a full charge is better.
http://batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm
Also, sometimes you can restore a dead battery by putting it in the fridge or freezer for approx 12 hours, take out of the freezer and let it warm up to room temperature, and then recharge it.
raijin,
This subject could get very complicated quickly.
Much depends on what type of battery your computer has and its usage pattern.
If it is a Lithium-ion battery, then deep discharging is not required as this type of battery has no "memory".
If it is a Nickel-metal hydride battery, then deep discharging would be in order at least once per month due to battery "memory". Suffice it to say that constant heat and charging are detrimental in most cases to most batteries for portable devices. There is a caveat based on the type of charging circuitry your machine uses.
If it were my machine, I would fully, discharge, recharge and store the battery until needed if you are using the UPS and laptop as a desktop computer.
Here are a several links to battery knowledge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_metal_hydride
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.....wer_supply
Regards,
Rick P.
raijin,
(lol) (lol) Not really the one to ask about neatness. Most on the forum know I run larger tower machines with the case sides removed and HDs, etc. hanging out all over the place. Have been known to run machines with no case and the components spread out all over the dining room table much to the chagrin of my spouse. (lol) (lol)
A possible solution is to use a thin piece of cardboard cut out to fit over the opening and a thin strip of duct tape to attach it. This will keep the dust out and maintain the laptop designed air flow. Am sure there are 100's of other creative ideas to cover the opening.
Best Regards,
Rick P.
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