Battery Knowledge & Tips
Any battery or accessory you purchase from us is guaranteed!
o 100% Original Manufacturer Compatible
o Guaranteed to Meet or Exceed Original
Specifications
o Full 1 Year Warranty (on most items)
Our batteries are made using the highest quality cells available
and utilize all of the proper logic boards, thermal protectors,
thermistors and circuit breakers to ensure the highest levels
of battery safety, reliability and efficiency.
In order to guarantee optimal battery performance and life
we recommend you read the new battery instructions below.
1. Quick Tips
2. Battery Do's and Dont's
3. What Are The Different Types of Battery Chemistries/Technologies?
4. What is the "Memory Effect"?
5. Is it Possible to Upgrade My Device's Battery to a Newer
Chemistry?
6. My New Battery Isn't Charging. What's the Deal?
7. How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
8. How Are Batteries Rated? (What Are Volts and Amps?)
9. How Long Do Batteries Last?
10. Should I Recycle My Old Battery? How?
Laptop and Desktop Computer Batteries
1. What are Main Batteries?
2. What are CMOS or Clock batteries?
3. What are RAM or Resume batteries?
4. How Long Will the New Battery Power My Device?
5. Is it Possible to Upgrade My Laptop's Battery to a Newer
Chemistry?
6. What is a "Smart" Battery?
7. How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
8. How Long Do Batteries Last (What is the Life Span of My
New Battery)?
9. My New Battery Isn't Charging. What's the Deal?
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1. Quick Tips - Battery Care Instructions:
top of page
o Your new battery comes in a discharged condition and must
be charged before use (refer to your computer manual for charging
instructions). Upon initial use (or after a prolonged storage
period) the battery may require three to four charge/discharge
cycles before achieving maximum capacity.
o When charging the battery for the first time your computer
may indicate that charging is complete after just 10 or 15
minutes. This is a normal phenomenon with rechargeable batteries.
Simply remove the battery from the computer and repeat the
charging procedure.
o It is important to condition (fully discharge and then
fully charge) the battery every two to three weeks. Failure
to do so may significantly shorten the battery's life (this
does not apply to Li-Ion batteries, which do not require conditioning).
To discharge, simply run your device under the battery's power
until it shuts down or until you get a low battery warning.
Then recharge the battery as instructed in your user's manual.
o If the battery will not be in use for a month or longer,
it is recommended that it be removed from the device and stored
in a cool, dry, clean place.
o It is normal for a battery to become warm during charging
and discharging.
o A charged battery will eventually lose its charge if unused.
It may therefore be necessary to recharge the battery after
a storage period.
o The milliamp-hour (mAH) rating of the AllAboutBattery.com battery
will often be higher than the one on your original battery.
A higher mAH rating is indicative of a longer lasting (higher
capacity) battery and will not cause any incompatibilities.
An AllAboutBattery.com battery will, in most cases, outperform the
original by 30% to 50%.
o Actual battery run-time depends upon the power demands
made by the equipment. In the case of notebook computers,
the use of the monitor, the hard drive and other peripherals
results in an additional drain upon the battery, effectively
reducing the battery's run-time. The total run-time of the
battery is also heavily dependent upon the design of the equipment.
To ensure maximum performance of the battery, optimize your
computer's power management features. Refer to your computer
manual for further instructions.
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2. Battery Dont's:
top of page
o Do not short-circuit. A short-circuit may cause severe
damage to the battery.
o Do not drop, hit or otherwise abuse the battery as this
may result in the exposure of the cell contents, which are
corrosive.
o Do not expose the battery to moisture or rain.
o Keep battery away from fire or other sources of extreme
heat. Do not incinerate. Exposure of battery to extreme heat
may result in an explosion.
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3. What Are The Different Types of Rechargeable Battery Chemistries/Technologies?
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Batteries in portable consumer devices (laptops and notebooks,
camcorders, cellular phones, etc.) are principally made using
either Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
or Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) technologies. Each type of rechargeable
battery technology has its own unique characteristics:
NiCad and NiMH: the main difference between the two is the
fact that NiMH batteries (the newer of the two technologies)
offer higher energy densities than NiCads. In other words,
pound for pound, NiMH delivers approximately 100% more capacity
than its NiCad counterpart. What this translates into is increased
run-time from the battery with no additional bulk to weigh
down your portable device. NiMH also offers another major
advantage: NiCad batteries tend to suffer from what is called
the "memory effect". NiMH batteries are less prone
to develop this dreaded affliction and thus require less maintenance
and care. NiMH batteries are also more environmentally friendly
than their NiCad counterparts, since they do not contain heavy
metals (which present serious landfill problems).
Li-Ion has quickly become the emerging standard for portable
power in consumer devices. Li-Ion batteries produce the same
energy as NiMH batteries but weigh approximately 35% less.
This is crucial in applications such as camcorders or notebook
computers, where the battery makes up a significant portion
of the device's weight. Another reason Li-Ion batteries have
become so popular is that they do not suffer from the memory
effect AT ALL. They are also better for the environment because
they don't contain toxic materials such as Cadmium or Mercury.
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4. What is the "Memory Effect" ?
top of page
NiCad batteries, and to a lesser extent NiMH batteries, suffer
from what's called the "memory effect". What this
means is that if a battery is continually only partially discharged
before re-charging, the battery "forgets" that it
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 its
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 two to three weeks. Batteries
can be discharged by unplugging the device's AC adaptor and
letting the device run on the battery until it ceases to function.
This will insure your battery remains healthy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Is it Possible to Upgrade My Device's Battery to a Newer
Chemistry?
top of page
NiCad, NiMH 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. Therefore, the portable
device's charger must be properly configured to handle a given
type of rechargeable battery.
Refer to your owner's manual to find out which rechargeable
battery types your particular device supports, or simply use
our search engine to find your device. It will automatically
list all of the battery types supported by your machine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. My New Battery Isn't Charging. What's the Deal?
top of page
New batteries are shipped in a discharged condition and
must charged before use. We generally recommend an overnight
charge (approximately twelve hours). Refer to your user's
manual for charging instructions. 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 begin again. This may happen several times during
your first battery charge. Don't worry; it's perfectly normal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
top of page
There are several steps you can take to insure that you
get maximum performance from your battery:
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.
Preventing the Memory Effect - Keep your battery healthy
by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once
every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion
batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect.
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 portable
device.
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 don't plan on using the battery
for a month or more, we recommend storing it in a clean, dry,
cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and
Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember
to break them in before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries
must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually
achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not
have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries
for more than three months.
For Notebook Users - To get maximum performance from your
battery, fully optimize the notebook's power management features
prior to use. Power management is a trade off: better power
conservation in exchange for lesser computer performance.
The power management system conserves battery power by setting
the processor to run at a slower speed, dimming the screen,
spinning down the hard drive when it's not in use and causing
the machine to go into sleep mode when inactive. Your notebook
user's guide will provide information relating to specific
power management features.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. How Are Batteries Rated? (What Are Volts and Amps?)
top of page
There are two ratings on every battery: volts and amp-hours
(AH). The AH rating may also be given as milliamp-hours (mAH),
which are one-thousandth of an amp-hour (for example, a 1AH
battery is 1000mAH). The voltage of the new battery should
always match the voltage of your original. Some of our batteries
will have higher amp-hour ratings than the original battery
found in your device. This is indicative of a longer run-time
(higher capacity) and will not cause any incompatibilities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. How Long Do Batteries Last (What is the Life Span of My
New Battery)?
top of page
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 running
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 one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Should I Recycle My Old Battery? How?
top of page
Nicad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries should be recycled. Be
environmentally conscious - do NOT throw these batteries in
the trash.
If you don't know where your local recycling facility is,
call the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association at 1-800-822-8837.
They will provide you with the address of the recycling center
nearest to you.
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Laptop and Desktop Computer Batteries
1. What are Main Batteries?
top of page
The main battery (also called the power battery) is the battery
pack which allows a laptop or notebook to operate independently
of an AC power source. These rechargeable batteries are designed
to operate the computer for a certain amount of time (generally
1 to 4 hours).
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2. What are CMOS or Clock Batteries?
top of page
CMOS & Clock Backup batteries perform the same function
in desktop and laptop computers: when the computer is turned
off, the battery maintains the time and date, insuring their
accuracy when the system is once again restarted. More importantly,
the battery saves the computer's CMOS set-up configuration,
which allows the system to efficiently re-boot once it is
restarted. The computer knows what type of hard drive it is
dealing with, etc. Not surprisingly, these batteries are known
alternatively as CMOS batteries, Real Time Clock (RTC) batteries,
or simply internal batteries.
The most common CMOS battery chemistries are Lithium, Nickel
Cadmium (NiCad) and alkaline. They are usually somewhere in
the 3 to 7.2 volt range and either solder onto the motherboard
or simply plug in via a snap-in connector (depending upon
the computer manufacturer's design).
In most cases, replacement of the CMOS battery is an easy
task. It is simply a matter of locating the battery on the
computer's motherboard, removing it, and plugging in a new
one. As a rule, internal batteries should be replaced by the
same type of battery which was originally used in the machine,
or according to the manufacturer's specifications. The major
exception to this rule are older IBM compatible computers
which come with a NiCad battery soldered onto the motherboard.
These computers usually have a three or four pin male plug,
with two of the pins connected via a jumper (this is generally
found in the same area of the motherboard as the original
battery). This plug gives you the option of leaving the soldered
battery in place and replacing it with a plug-in type battery.
Removing the jumper tells the computer to ignore the battery
soldered onto the motherboard and to look to the pins for
its power source. IMPORTANT NOTE: NiCad batteries are rechargeable,
whereas Lithium and alkaline batteries are NOT. Therefore,
Lithium and alkaline batteries must be replaced by equivalent
batteries of the same type. Attempting to replace these non-rechargeable
batteries with a NiCad will result in a non-functioning battery,
due to the fact the computer lacks the proper charging circuitry.
If a motherboard lacks the above-discussed provision for an
external battery, the NiCad battery MUST be unsoldered and
replaced by a NiCad battery ONLY. Attempting to use an alkaline
or lithium battery in place of NiCad on such a board could
be hazardous. These batteries are not designed to be recharged,
and an attempt to do so may cause the battery to "burst",
or explode.
CMOS batteries generally last for two to three years, although
some (especially the lithium type) have been known to last
much longer. Ironically, the less you use your computer, the
faster the CMOS battery will run out. This is because when
your computer is turned off the battery begins to function.
It is recommended to replace the CMOS battery approximately
once a year, or when servicing the computer. If your computer
has been idle for an extended length of time it is a good
idea to change the battery. Changing the battery is a relatively
easy and inexpensive task, especially (as I'm sure many of
you out there know) when compared to trying to reconfigure
a computer which has lost its CMOS settings.
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3. What are RAM or Resume batteries?
top of page
Some notebook computers are designed with a dedicated battery
for backing up RAM functions when the machine is temporarily
shut off. This feature allows users to change the main battery
pack without losing the current applications and settings
residing in RAM (Random Access Memory). This is called a "battery
hot swap" - switching the main battery pack without having
to turn off the computer.
These type of batteries are alternately known as bridge batteries,
RAM batteries, or resume batteries.
Most RAM batteries are rechargeable NiCad and will last around
2-3 years. It is recommended that you replace your notebook's
RAM battery when replacing the CMOS battery.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. How Long Will the New Battery Power My Laptop?
top of page
That is difficult to determine. Actual battery running time
depends upon the power demands made by the equipment. The
use of the monitor, the hard drive and other accessories results
in an additional drain upon the battery, effectively reducing
its running time. The total running time of the battery is
also dependent upon the design of the equipment. Generally,
a new AllAboutBattery.com battery will run at least as long (and usually-
longer) as your old battery did when it was new.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Is it Possible to Upgrade My Device's Battery to a Newer
Chemistry?
top of page
NiCad, NiMH 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. Therefore, the portable
device's charger must be properly configured to handle a given
type of rechargeable battery.
Refer to your owner's manual to find out which rechargeable
battery types your particular device supports, or simply use
our search engine to find your device. It will automatically
list all of the battery types supported by your machine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. What is a "smart" Battery?
top of page
Smart batteries have internal circuit boards with smart
chips which allow them to communicate with the notebook and
thus better monitor battery performance, output voltage and
temperature. Smart batteries will generally run 15% longer
due to their increased efficiency and also give the computer
much more accurate "fuel gauge" capabilities to
determine how much battery running time is left before the
next recharge is required.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
top of page
There are several steps you can take to insure that you
get maximum performance from your battery:
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.
Preventing the Memory Effect - Keep your battery healthy
by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once
every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion
batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect.
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 portable
device.
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 don't plan on using the battery
for a month or more, we recommend storing it in a clean, dry,
cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and
Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember
to break them in before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries
must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually
achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not
have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries
for more than three months.
For Notebook Users - To get maximum performance from your
battery, fully optimize the notebook's power management features
prior to use. Power management is a trade off: better power
conservation in exchange for lesser computer performance.
The power management system conserves battery power by setting
the processor to run at a slower speed, dimming the screen,
spinning down the hard drive when it's not in use and causing
the machine to go into sleep mode when inactive. Your notebook
user's guide will provide information relating to specific
power management features.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. How Long Do Batteries Last (What is the Life Span of My
New Battery)?
top of page
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 running
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 one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. My New Battery Isn't Charging. What's the Deal?
top of page
New batteries are shipped in a discharged condition and
must charged before use. We generally recommend an overnight
charge (approximately twelve hours). Refer to your user's
manual for charging instructions. 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 begin again. This may happen several times during
your first battery charge. Don't worry; it's perfectly normal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And now the disclaimer:
Any statements and data in this file are for general information
purposes. They represent the latest technical status at the
time of publishing. We reserve the right to change the data
in this file without prior notice. The technical information
is given in a descriptive way and does not guarantee any properties
or enlarge any warranties given.
