Laptops, also known as Notebooks, are compact personal computers. Their lightweight nature makes them convenient for on-the-go use, catering to the flexible needs of consumers. Proper usage of laptop batteries has always been a significant concern, capturing the attention of many.
Considering the two reasons mentioned earlier, should we charge the battery to full, then disconnect the power and solely rely on the battery until it reaches 10%-20%? Is this a viable practice?
This method is widely recommended, as our laptops are designed for mobility, akin to mobile devices and tablets. However, it may not be entirely beneficial for everyone.
The rationale behind this lies in the diversity of battery types, ranging from 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 to 12 cells. However, most laptops utilize 6-cell batteries, providing around 2 hours of usage. This estimate applies to brand-new batteries, without considering the inevitable wear and tear over time. In an 8-hour workday, you might need to plug in your laptop four times, adding an extra layer of complexity to your already demanding work schedule. Although the operating system typically issues low battery warnings at around 20% (settings may vary), some individuals, engrossed in their work, may forget to plug in, resulting in multiple instances of battery depletion and potential damage.
Through the evaluation of the two aforementioned methods, the most optimal approach for utilizing power and the battery is to use both concurrently.
Modern laptops are equipped with automatic switching mechanisms that intelligently select a stable power source. The majority of current-generation batteries are Lithium-ion. When both the power adapter and battery are connected, the laptop utilizes power from the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, the laptop automatically switches to the power adapter when a stable current is detected. This reduces the need for continuous battery discharging, preventing rapid battery deterioration.
When engaging in tasks like document editing or working with graphics, applications like Word often have an Autosave feature set to every 10 minutes (default in Word, customizable). In the event of a power outage, the battery acts as a power source, preventing the loss of unsaved work and sparing us the effort of redoing sections not manually or automatically saved.
Analyzing the discussed scenarios reveals meticulous planning by manufacturers regarding laptop power supply. Major brands like Dell, HP, and Acer recommend users frequently keep their laptops plugged in. The goal is for the computer to serve us, not the other way around. All device batteries degrade over time; the key is how we use them to slow down the degradation. By simply being mindful not to plug or unplug the battery while the laptop is connected to a power source, we can extend its lifespan.
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