Remove battery when not in use?

[kiseki_o_o]

Many sources said that removing your battery when using the AC power is a good thing to do for the battery, in terms of its life, etc...
Is this true?
I have a new notebook and I use it as a desktop replacement, so it will be on AC all the time.

Btw, I had my old notebook for almost 5 years now, and I've never plugged/used the battery even once ever since I bought it 5 years ago.

[Nebelwand]

Depends on your usage pattern. Heat from the system and unnecessary charge cycles will make the battery age faster than if it was disconnected and stored in a cool place. On the other hand, you get a sort of poor man's UPS if you leave it in.

Keep in mind that these batteries self-discharge even when not plugged in - you want to dis- and recharge it say once a month to prevent a deep discharge and keep the cell chemistry happy.

If you're never going to use it, sell it now while it's still new and use the money for something else.

[luee]

Yes take it out and store it away if you use it a lot plugged in. Every time you turn the power on the battery charges and discharges shortening the life in the long run.

[Eugene91]

But, it might serve as a backup power in case you are working on your work.. Imagine that happening LoL.

[Partizan]

I've heard the same thing, remove the battery when you don't ened it. And its preferable that you keep it empty if you don't use it.

[Ramzii]

Originally Posted by Student@Antwerp2009

And its preferable that you keep it empty if you don't use it.

No, ideal charge for Li-Ion batteries when stored will be around 40%.

Also, when a battery gets hot when your pc is plugged into AC it isnt
good becasue the lifetime detoriates, Li-Ion cells cant stand heat.

[Partizan]

Cool, never heard they should be 40 %. Where did you find that?

[Ramzii]

Here ya go, most people dont know:

# Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.) Short battery life in a laptop is mainly cause by heat rather than charge / discharge patterns.

# Batteries with fuel gauge (laptops) should be calibrated by applying a deliberate full discharge once every 30 charges. Running the pack down in the equipment does this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate and in some cases cut off the device prematurely.

# Keep the lithium-ion battery cool. Avoid a hot car. For prolonged storage, keep the battery at a 40% charge level.

# Consider removing the battery from a laptop when running on fixed power. (Some laptop manufacturers are concerned about dust and moisture accumulating inside the battery casing.)

# Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Observe manufacturing dates. Do not buy old stock, even if sold at clearance prices.

# If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one to the fullest and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the battery. For best results, store the battery at 40% state-of-charge.

Dont remember the site, was some scientific group who specialsed in battery testing.

[Cin']

Here's a great guide to check!

Notebook Battery Guide

Prolonging your Battery’s Life
• Calibrate your battery with a full discharge every 30 charges to help the battery’s fuel gauge remain accurate. Run the battery down to the automatic cut-off point of your notebook before recharging.
• Avoid repetitive and regular full discharges. Li-Ion batteries will lose less charge capacity when partially recharged. Recharging at a 10 to 20% charge level is recommended.
• Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. The optimal charge level is 40% for prolonged storage. Storing the battery with a low charge will result in permanent damage or battery failure.
• If you store your battery in a refrigerator, use a sealed plastic bag to keep moisture out. Allow the battery to warm to room temperature before using or recharging it.

Cin...

[NiteWalker]

FWIW, li-on batteries age whether they're being used or not. I've not found it to be detrimental to the life of the battery to leave it in while plugged in. If the heat from your laptop becomes hot enough to deteriorate the battery then there's a problem.

You'll get a tad bit longer life out of the battery by keeping it out of the laptop but then you lose the benefits of having it installed, such as having it as backup during a power outage and keeping dust out of the battery compartment. I'd rather have to replace a $100 battery than a $900 laptop.

To each his own though.
For more reading.