How long do you keep a laptop battery charger plugged in?

1. 81

   TamCorposted 13 years ago

   We keep hearing different things, so I thought I'd ask here.
   
   Can you keep it plugged in all the time, even when the battery is charged, since you're sitting at a desk, and don't need the battery at that time?   
   
   Or is it best to unplug it as soon as it's charged, use it until the battery is low, then plug in again, just long enough to charge up?
   
   I HOPE these questions made sense!!! 

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      BlissfulWriterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      In my last laptop, I had mine plugged in all the time -- even when the battery fully charged.   I know people say that that is bad for the battery.   And it may be true.  Because my battery died after 3 years of me doing that.  But hey batteries are pretty cheap -- considering that it take 3 years before I had to replace one. 
      
      But I actually didn't have to replace the battery, because I needed to get a new laptop anyways
      
      In my new laptop, I'm doing the same thing (plugged in all the time).  I'm just too lazy to plug and unplug it every day.
      
      Ideally, if you are always using it on the desk, just take the battery out completely and have it pluggin in all the time.

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2. 0

   DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years ago

   If laptop batteries are like any of the other rechargeable batteries I've used (cell phones, power tools, misc. electronics) then you want to unplug it when its charged. Perhaps it's just a stupid myth, (or I'm old), but in the owner's manuals I have, it says leaving it plugged in once the charge is complete, can damage the battery.

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   1. 81

      TamCorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      Well, that's what someone told us yesterday, that the battery can be damaged...but I couldn't find anything in the manuals to say anything one way or the other!

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         DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I would trust the manual before people. If it is damaging, the manual would say so, I think. Unless they are hoping to make you buy a new battery...or laptop...hmmm. 

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   Richieb799posted 13 years ago

   I usually leave mine in constantly because Im constantly using it!!

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4. 81

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   Mine sits on the desk turned on 24/7 I have never had a problem. This is my third laptop that has been used as a desk PC

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      TamCorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      
      
      
      
      That's another thing there. I use my laptop off and on--it's up in our bedroom, so I can be more comfortable in the evenings, after sitting in a chair at my desktop computer all day, lol.  But I usually unplug it once it's charged up, then use the battery until it's low.
      
      But my husband leaves his laptop on his desk all the time, like you, Earnest.  He turns it on in the morning, and leaves it on all day, even though it doesn't get used much during the day, since he's at work.
      
      That's why we're confused as to which way is best!

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         sunforgedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         both your examples are best.

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5. 71

   sunforgedposted 13 years ago

   A rechargeable battery has a lifespan that is effected by how it is cycled
   
   best use involves allowing the battery to get a full charge and then drain - repeat
   
   not allowing a battery to get fully charged before depleting it will limit its full charge potential
   
   most rechargeable batteries are best left charging when not in use as they slowly lose their charge when not charging
   
   although, it does depend on the age and type of your battery - keeping your laptop plugged in is not a problem (ac power), its users who may keep their laptop plugged in at work and then unplug it to use on say a subway ride home (battery power) and then immediately put back on charger at home that will diminish the lifetime of their batteries quickest.

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      DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      recharging before it's empty can be bad, Ive heard. Is that true?

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         sunforgedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         its dependent on the type of rechargable battery - they have been getting better over the years.
         
         But general best practice to extend the life and amount of charge a battery will hold (not just laptops but also cameras etc.) would be to allow it to fully deplete and then fully charge it.
         
         That is rarely practical.
         
         Specific to a laptop - the answer would be , keep it plugged in. If you need to use it for battery power allow it to actually use battery power until it is significantly depleted and then plug back in.
         
         and of course check the manual! .. but not all manuals will bother with how to extend your battery life!

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            DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            kewl. thanks. technology is so hard sometimes. I feel so old....

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            1. 81

               TamCorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               
               
               Oh, believe me, I can identify with that, lol...
               
               I'm determined NOT to be one of those who refuses to learn, though, like my grandma was, who wouldn't even learn how to change the time on one of those "new-fangled" digital clocks, Bless her heart!

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      TamCorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      Our laptops are new--we just got them, that's why we're so paranoid about this, lol...
      
      We did know, though, not to plug in unless the battery was drained, since one of our sons ruined his battery that way...

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6. 81

   TamCorposted 13 years ago

   By the way--where are my manners?
   
   Thanks everyone--I really appreciate all of your input and advice!

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