Financial IQ: Prolong your laptop battery and save cash!

Recently, I encountered problems with the battery unit of my laptop.  It got discharged badly, to the point that the battery can only last for 10 to 15 minutes before it got drained again (even if I fully charged it).  I was lucky that the unit was still on warranty period, and was able to replace the battery twice.  Hopefully, my misadventures with my laptop is already part of history.


Improve the laptop battery life span and save hundreds of cash and time for repair or finding a replacement battery.  In return, we "save" money and time, which are essential components of Financial IQ / Financial literacy.


When using a laptop as a desktop replacement the battery should not be left in for long periods of time. The laptop will over time discharge the battery. Remove the battery – making sure that it is charged to 40% and store it in a dry, warm place. Ensure that it is wrapped protectively and nothing will be dropped on it.


The battery should be re-installed every 3-4 weeks and allowed to fully discharge. Leaving a battery in storage for longer than this without using could cause the battery to fully discharge as the circuitry of the battery itself consumes power.


Leaving a battery in a laptop while using an electrical outlet for long periods of time will keep the battery in a constant state of charging up and that will reduce the life cycle of the battery.


Remember that when you have removed the battery from a laptop while using with an electrical outlet – the automatic battery backup is no longer functional. Make sure to plug your laptop into an uninterrupted power source (UPS) not directly into an outlet or surge protector.