0

I have a HP Mini laptop. If I stay near an external electrical power source, is it right to power the laptop from this source if the battery is not empty?

Gaff
  • 18,569
  • 15
  • 57
  • 68
Gold
  • 1,978
  • 12
  • 32
  • 43
  • Similar question: http://superuser.com/questions/170646/is-a-laptop-damaged-by-always-keeping-it-plugged-in/170649#170649 – sleske Jan 03 '12 at 10:21

3 Answers3

3

Generally yes, I'd use the power source instead of the battery when available.

But keep in mind...

A battery should not be left charged in a dormant state for a very long time. After it is fully charged you should use it at least once every few weeks at a bare minimum to extend battery life. If you are using an older lithium-ion battery, avoid letting its charge drop to 0. Lithium-ion batteries typically have what is called a discharge/charge cycle of 300-500.

For more information, check out Battery University.

John T
  • 163,373
  • 27
  • 341
  • 348
  • 2
    I believe the rule "use it at least once every few weeks" only applies to lead accumulators; I've never heard it for LiIon accumulators. The page to linke to does not mention it either. The only caveat is that a LiIon must never discharge completely; thus when stored for months, you will need to recharge occasionally to make up for self-discharge. – sleske Jan 03 '12 at 10:52
-1

BatteryCare is an excellent freeware tool that can help you manage your battery health and power savings.

BatteryCare is a software created to optimize the usage and performance of the modern laptop's battery. It monitors the battery's discharge cycles and helps increasing it's autonomy and improving its lifetime.

Gaff
  • 18,569
  • 15
  • 57
  • 68
Beep
  • 1
-2

You shuould.Avoid allowing the battery to drop below 5% of capacity because most new versions of the Windows OS will automatically put your laptop computer in a forced “hibernation” mode which may cause the loss of some projects you are working on.Only remove or install a laptop battery when your computer is turned off, this will avoid any current surge that could harm your new battery.

sunjatan
  • 1
  • 1
    The whole point of hibernation is to retain everything that was in memory, allowing you to restore when you have access to an alternate power source. You *will* lose what you are working on if it *doesn't* hibernate and instead just runs out of power while it's running! – Bob Apr 28 '12 at 10:01