by Charles Miller

In an earlier column I tried to explain the importance of using the correct charger for your devices that use rechargeable batteries. In addition to using the correct charger and the correct connecting cable, there are some more things to know about how to correctly recharge batteries.

Just as all battery chargers are not the same, not all rechargeable batteries are created equal. Without a doubt the biggest misconception about rechargeable batteries in smart phones and other portable electronics is that you should use them until completely exhausted before charging them up again. This is absolutely the wrong thing to do to most modern batteries… but back in the last century this advice was often the right thing to do.

There are many different types of rechargeable batteries, four of which are in common use. What has happened over recent decades is that battery technology has evolved such that the batteries you use today are a different type than before.

Lead-acid batteries have been used for almost 200 years. They are still a great option today in spite of being too bulky and too heavy for portable devices (other than automobiles).

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries used to be the choice for portable phones, etc., and these are the ones you were advised to run all the way down before recharging. They are still a good choice for power tools because it is okay to discharge them all the way down and they charge back up quickly.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries are better than the aforementioned NiCd in every way, except longevity. They are more expensive, and there is also the fact that NiMH contains toxic metals that are really bad for the environment.

Finally, the most common type of rechargeable battery used in portable electronic devices today is the Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Battery. Lithium-Ion is also expensive, and terribly bad for the environment; however, customers tend to want batteries that are lightweight, very high capacity, and hold a charge longer than any of the types described above. Li-ion batteries should never be allowed to discharge completely because doing so will damage the battery and shorten its life. Overcharging a Li-ion battery can be just as injurious to it, which is why you should always use only the charger that came with your device.

So what is the absolute best way to charge your Li-ion batteries? Never drain or over-charge them! They will last the longest if kept near half charged at all times. Some modern laptops are smart enough to know this. They might display a message that says something to the effect of: "We notice you have been leaving this laptop plugged in to the charger 24x7 for weeks now. Do you want us to run the battery down to 50% and hold it there until further notice?"

This is what you should strive to do with all your battery-powered portable devices. If you always use the charger that came with your device you can usually depend on that charger not to damage the batter by over-charging it. Then simply remember to never use your device until its battery is completely dead... or it may stay dead.

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Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant with decades of IT experience and a Texan with a lifetime love for Mexico. The opinions expressed are his own. He may be contacted at 415-101-8528 or email FAQ8 (at) SMAguru.com.

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