A nice way to tread the battery?

[jizmo]

So what *is* the nicest way to treat the li-ion battery of my new Toshiba e310. Should I always try to charge it full and use till it turns itself off. Or is it okay if I always recharge it when I come back home? Is there a need to empty the battery sometimes?

Why am I asking this, you might ask? I had to sell my former iPAQ, just because its battery drained so fast, just after one year use. For my cell phones, I've had to buy two replacement batteries to each. I wouldn't like to think that this is inevitable. :?

/jizmo

[ECOslin]

As I understand it, Li-ion batteries don't hold a memory and can be damaged by an extended discharge.

Edward

Lithium-ion cells offer long cycle life, approximately 2.5 times higher energy density than Ni-Cd and approximately 2 times more energy density than Ni-MH.

Voltage
When Lithium-ion batteries are charged, the voltage will continue to rise. Therefore, the charger must manage the battery voltage to define charge termination and optimize battery life.

Temperature
Lithium-ion batteries are not exothermic until they overcharge.

Charge Control
Constant current-constant voltage limit (4.2 V maximum)
Typical charge time is 2.5 hours with host turned off at 25º C
Temperature cut off is typically not used (Temperature is fairly constant with this method.)
Safety: Overcharge can cause failure.
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Ni-Cd
Pros
• Long cyle life (500+)
• Excellent low temp capacity (up to -30ºC)
• High rate capability
Cons
• Environmental concerns due to cadmium
• Memory effect
• Low energy density and high self discharge

Ni-MH
Pros
• Medium cycle life (400+)
• 30% more energy density than NiCd
• Environmentally friendly
Cons
• Lower charge efficiency
• High self discharge
• Poor rate capability

Li-ion
Pros
• Medium cycle life (400+)
• Highest energy density
• Very low self discharge
Cons
• Lowest shelf life
• Complex charge controls required

Li-ion Polymer
Pros
• Same as Li-ion
• No metal "can"
• Broad and thin design capability
Cons
• Same as Li-ion
• Lower charge rate capability
• Lack of field history
• Difficult to handle
• Cost

[jizmo]

So there is a risk of overcharging it?

/jizmo

[ECOslin]

Yep, you have to use a charger(with a certain control circuit) with whatever lithium battery you want to charge.

Edward