My digital cameras and my cellphone use Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries. I also have a set of four rechargeable AA NiMH batteries.
With the primary goal of preserving their battery lives, what is the proper way to use and store these batteries?
Is it always best to fully charge and then fully use/discharge them before recharging?
When not in use, is it preferable to keep them fully charged or discharged? Or does it not matter? You're asking one of the secrets of life. The care of re-chargeable batteries is one of those things that nobody ever does right: it goes right along with the breaking-in of an automobile engine, or the sharpening of a knife, or the salvation of the immortal soul.
But you don't have to worry. About all the rituals you read about charging and discharging batteries were associated with the old nickel-cadmium variety. These are no longer used, much to the benefit of both the customers and the environment. They used to grow internal crystal whiskers, and generate bubbles inside, and all sorts of weirdnesses, and there was never any general agreement as to how to treat the damn things.
The new batteries--like the ones you mentioned--can just be charged and discharged however you'd like. The chargers won't overcharge them, and you can use them partially-charged, or fully-charged.
Though there will be arguments, it doesn't matter anymore, hooray. You'll encounter much cherished lore on the subject, however. Don't worry about it at all. Eventually they all die, but rechargable batteries are pretty good nowadays. |
