Gateway MT6840 8512152 - Gateway Notebook Reference Guide for Windows Vista - Page 77

Storing batteries - charger

Page 77 highlights

www.gateway.com Using the right charger is important. By now you probably know that each kind of battery has its own technology, its own rate of charge, and so on. Charging lithium batteries correctly is one way to extend their life and to avoid damage. Clean the gold or silver connector on the battery (the part of the battery that makes contact with the notebook) with alcohol or electronic contact cleaner. Cleaning helps maintain good contact, which improves the transfer of power from the battery to the notebook. Storing batteries Do not charge up the battery, then store it away. A stored battery should be used every three to four weeks. Let the battery fully discharge, then recharge to 40% if you plan to store it again. If you store a battery for longer than three to four weeks, the battery could fully discharge because the battery circuitry itself consumes power. If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one exclusively and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Make sure that it is wrapped protectively and that nothing will be dropped on it. Do not freeze the battery. Do not use old batteries. Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries and storing them for later use. Do not buy old stock, even if it is sold at clearance prices. While it makes sense to have 2 or 3 extra batteries, so that you always have a fresh one charged up and ready to go, if you buy batteries and store them for years, they may not work when you decide to use them. Consider removing the battery from your notebook when running on fixed power. However, remember that when you have removed the battery from your notebook while using it with an electrical outlet, the automatic battery charger no longer keeps the battery charged. Caution When the battery is in the notebook and the notebook is running on AC power, the battery constantly charges, even though it has a full charge. This reduces the life of the battery. If the battery is fully charged and you want to run on AC power, remove the battery. 71

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www.gateway.com
71
Using the right charger is important. By now you probably
know that each kind of battery has its own technology, its own
rate of charge, and so on. Charging lithium batteries correctly
is one way to extend their life and to avoid damage.
Clean the gold or silver connector on the battery (the part of
the battery that makes contact with the notebook) with
alcohol or electronic contact cleaner. Cleaning helps maintain
good contact, which improves the transfer of power from the
battery to the notebook.
Storing batteries
Do not charge up the battery, then store it away. A stored
battery should be used every three to four weeks. Let the
battery fully discharge, then recharge to 40% if you plan to
store it again. If you store a battery for longer than three to
four weeks, the battery could fully discharge because the
battery circuitry itself consumes power.
If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one exclusively
and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Make
sure that it is wrapped protectively and that nothing will be
dropped on it. Do not freeze the battery.
Do not use old batteries. Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion
batteries and storing them for later use. Do not buy old stock,
even if it is sold at clearance prices. While it makes sense to
have 2 or 3 extra batteries, so that you always have a fresh
one charged up and ready to go, if you buy batteries and store
them for years, they may not work when you decide to use
them.
Consider removing the battery from your notebook when
running on fixed power. However, remember that when you
have removed the battery from your notebook while using it
with an electrical outlet, the automatic battery charger no
longer keeps the battery charged.
Caution
When the battery is in the notebook and the notebook is running on AC
power, the battery constantly charges, even though it has a full charge. This
reduces the life of the battery. If the battery is fully charged and you want to
run on AC power, remove the battery.