External Battery Charger for Laptops

Lithium Ion batteries are currently the most popular type of batteries for portable electronics. So, modern laptops usually come with Lithium Ion batteries as well. Let me tell you some things about laptop batteries and laptop battery chargers for you to know the correct way to put them together.

In general, Lithium Ion laptop batteries wear down for two reasons: the first is their essential aging, and the second is active usage of the laptop. The main thing to keep in mind is that notebook batteries are constantly losing a little part of their charge. To be more exact, the higher the temperature, the quicker batteries lose the charge. So, the first tip is to keep your laptop battery cool.

Perhaps you know that earlier laptop batteries performed better when they were completely discharged before charging. Well, that is still working for Nickel Cadmium batteries, but modern Lithium Ion laptop batteries perform better if they are charged having about 10% or 20% of the remaining charge.

Recharging Laptop Batteries

Laptop batteries can be recharged in two ways. The first is called trickle charge, and it automatically recharges the battery when the notebook is disconnected. Another way of battery charging is by using an external laptop battery charger. In the case of charging laptops externally, the batteries are plugged into the charger and then the charger is plugged into an electricity outlet.

Some Tips for Charging Different Battery Types

Though the most common laptop batteries now are Lithium-Ion, there are two more types of batteries one may have in their laptops. Each type of battery requires specific way of charging. So, for those who have Lithium-Ion battery, the following scheme will be helpful. For the first 3 charges, it's advisable to completely charge the battery during the whole night and let it discharge completely before recharging. Overcharging (charging for more than 24 hours) may result in damage.

Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are still prone to ''memory effect'', though to a lesser degree. The negative impact of ''memory effect'' can be reduced by fully discharging the battery before charging in every 3 to 5 charges. Once you get a new battery, it's also recommended to charge it completely for the first 3 times, and let it discharge completely before charging. For Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries, it's best to use a charger/conditioner type charger. Overcharging is also harmful.

Nickel Cadmium batteries are known for their disposition to ''memory effect''. This means that if the battery is not completely discharged before charging, it ''forgets'' about its usable capacity and will require charging every time it's lost a certain part of its charge. This results in a shorter battery life and worse performance.