Q: What is the "Memory
Effect"? A: Ni-Cad batteries suffer from what's
called the "memory effect" This means that if
a battery is continually only partially discharged
before re-charging, the battery "forgets" that
is has the capacity to further discharge all the
way down. To illustrate: If you, on a regular
basis, fully charge your battery and then use
only 50% of its capacity before the next recharge,
eventually the battery will become unaware of
it's extra 50% capacity which has remained unused.
Your battery will remain functional, but only
at 50% of its original capacity. The way to avoid
the dreaded "memory effect" is to fully cycle
(fully charge and then fully discharge) your battery
at least once every month. Batteries can be discharged
by unplugging the device's AC adapter and letting
the device run on the battery until it ceases
to function. This will ensure your battery remains
healthy. Ni-Mh and Li-Ion batteries do not suffer
the memory effect.
Q:
Can I Upgrade My Devices Battery to a Newer Chemistry?
A:NiCad, Ni-MH
and Li-ion are all fundamentally different from
one another and cannot be substituted unless the
device has been pre-configured from the factory
to accept more than one type of rechargeable battery.
The difference between them stems from the fact
that each type requires a different charging pattern
to be properly recharged. Refer to your owner's
manual to find out which rechargeable battery
types your particular device supports.
Q:My New Battery Isn't Charging. What's
The Deal? A: New batteries are shipped in a discharged
condition and must be charged before use. We generally
recommend an overnight charge (approximately twelve
hours). Refer to your user's manual for charging
instruction. Rechargeable batteries should be
cycled? fully charged and then fully discharged?
2 to 4 times initially to allow them to reach
their full capacity. (Note: It is perfectly normal
for a battery to become warm to the touch during
charging and discharging).
New batteries are hard for your device to charge;
they have never been fully charged and are therefore
unformed? Sometimes your device's charger will
stop charging a new battery before it is fully
charged. If this happens, simply remove the battery
from your device and then re-insert it. The charge
cycle should start again. This may happen several
times during your first battery charge. Don't
worry; it's perfectly normal.
Q:
How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
A:Breaking In
New Batteries
new batteries come in a discharged condition and
must be fully charged before use. It is recommended
that you fully charge and discharge your new battery
two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum
rated capacity.
Keep Your Batteries Clean
it's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts
with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain
a good connection between the battery and your
laptop.
Exercise Your Battery?
Do not leave your battery dormant for long periods
of time. We recommend using the battery at least
once every two to three weeks.If a battery has
not been used for a long period of time, perform
the new battery break in procedure described above.
Battery Storage?
If you do not plan on using the battery for a
month or more, we recommend storing in a clean,
dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects.
Q: How Are Batteries Rated? (What
Are Volts and Amps?) A:There
are two ratings on every battery: Volts and Milliamp-hour
(mAh). The voltage of the new battery should always
match the voltage of your original. Some of our
batteries will have higher amp-hour ratings that
the original battery found in your device. This
is indicative of a longer run-time (high capacity)
and will not cause any incompatibilities. Remember:
in some cases, the voltage will differ from the
original battery. This often happens when both
a Li-Ion battery and a Ni-Mh battery are available
for the laptop.
Q: How Long Do Batteries Last? A: The
life of a rechargeable battery operating under
normal conditions is generally between 500 to
800 charge-discharge cycles. This translates into
one and a half to three years of battery life
for the average user. As your rechargeable battery
begins to die, you will notice a decline in the
run time of the battery. When your two-hour battery
is only supplying you with an hour's worth of
use, it's time for a new battery.
