[WMCoolmon]

I'm curious how best to make a cell phone battery last...I've heard that modern batteries are limited to a certain number of 'charges', after which point they start to wear down.

Is it generally better to plug them in as much as possible, plug them in as little as possible, or plug them in routinely for long stretches of time? (As far as making the battery last goes)

[BlackDove]

I've had two mobile phones.

One five and a half years old, the other six.

The six year old one was charged throughout the night, and then given to a retard that decided it would be fun to be careless and left it recharging itself for three days.

The battery died after four years (reason it's six years old is because I still have it)

The five and a ½ year old one's battery is still in 85% mint condition if there is such a thing. Naturally, there's wear and tear, but the best thing about it is its battery (the rubber is so old, it's turned into some kind of a liquid... and it's not glued anymore... freaky). The way it was always recharged was always when it would be fully or near-empty, and it would always recharge for only an hour or two. Since I've been the only one recharging it for the past 5 and a ½ years, I'd know.

Make of it what you will.

[SadisticSid]

I remember reading that for lithium ion batteries, internal decay is much reduced if you keep the charge at about 40-60%. Generally a completely discharged battery lasts for longer than a fully charged one, but that kinda defeats the purpose.

[ChronoReverse]

70% charge for storage.


Lithium Ion batteries are limited by complete charge cycles.  They should also have built in circuitry that will prevent overcharging.


Theoretically, L-I batteries don't mind partial charge cycles so it's alright to tip it off all the time IF you use the electronic device a lot (i.e., you're not just leaving the phone on standby).

Otherwise, use it like ordinary rechargeable batteries and let it drain close to zero before charging.




Incidentally, if you use the same type of battery in two electronic devices, the device that uses more power will cause the battery to "decay" more rapidly.  This is why the iPod batteries are so problematic since the iPods have rather bad battery life (as compared to equivalent DAPs available).

[redmenace]

I can say this about NiMH, they are great for highdrain devices and can recharge in 30 minutes or so. I use them for everything. Only problem is that they cost a premium.