Computer Question

[Anonymous]

I use my lap top on my desk at home and never move it.

I've been told now by several sources, including someone at the Apple store that I will get longer battery life if I let it almost completely discharge and then recharge it. Rather than letting it stay plugged in 99% of the time. I can see why partial discharges are a problem, but this makes no sense to me. Is there anyone out there that can explain?

[Anonymous]

Think of the electrons like a little army. The anode is like their home base, the cathode is like the enemy castle they are trying to capture. The wire is like river which can carry pirate ships. The monitor is like the lair of an old dragon.

[Anonymous]

I don't see a difference when I let it fully discharge than leaving it always plugged in.

I think that's a myth or outdated info.

Signed,
IT Professional

[Anonymous]

There are electronics involved which determine how to charge the battery. These electronics calibrate to a fully discharged battery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see a difference when I let it fully discharge than leaving it always plugged in.

I think that's a myth or outdated info.

Signed,
IT Professional[/quote

IT Professionals don't necessarily understand batteries. Is it Lithium Ion? Nickel Metal Hydride? Nickel Cadmium? A Lithium Ion battery shouldn't be left on a recharger constantly, but you don't need to let it "drain" all the way. Nickel Cadmium is slightly older technology and does in fact benefit from being drained prior to recharging. It's the memory effect. Memory effect is when the battery after charging from less than totally dead starting point, remembers the limited cycle and results in reduced capacity for the battery.

[Anonymous]

I'm generally of the opinion that it takes such a long time to see the impact of charging cycles that it's not really worth the hassle for me to worry about it. I've had my laptop 5 years, and haven't paid any attention to how I charge it, and only now am I seeing a significant impact (started at about 5 hours, now gets around 2).

[Anonymous]

This is a decent explanation.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1764220?start=0&tstart=0

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Think of the electrons like a little army. The anode is like their home base, the cathode is like the enemy castle they are trying to capture. The wire is like river which can carry pirate ships. The monitor is like the lair of an old dragon.

Are you referencing a diode?