does leaving a laptop plugged in at all times cause the battery to run out faster?

Question

I thought leaving it plugged in would not use the battery at all since the power is coming from the adapter (and not the battery). Am I wrong?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

Maybe the battery is losing charge though, just by sitting there not being used.

My boyfriend runs a laptop pool at work. He seems to think so. We have one at home. He strongly encourages me to run it on battery often. Then let the battery discharge all the way and recharge all the way.

I don't have scientific proof why this is so, just his anecdotal evidence.

From wiki :
Problems with NiCd
[edit]
Memory effect
Main article: Memory effect
It is sometimes claimed that NiCd batteries suffer from a so-called "memory effect" if they are recharged before they have been fully discharged. The apparent symptom is that the battery "remembers" the point in its charge cycle where recharging began and during subsequent use suffers a sudden drop in voltage at that point, as if the battery had been discharged. The capacity of the battery is not actually reduced substantially. Some electronics designed to be powered by NiCds are able to withstand this reduced voltage long enough for the voltage to return to normal. However, if the device is unable to operate through this period of decreased voltage, the device will be unable to get as much energy out of the battery, and for all practical purposes, the battery has a reduced capacity.

There is controversy about whether the memory effect actually exists, or whether it is as serious a problem as is sometimes believed. Some critics claim it is used to promote competing NiMH batteries, which apparently suffer this effect to a lesser extent. Many nickel-cadmium battery manufacturers either deny this effect exists or are silent on the matter.

An effect with similar symptoms to the memory effect is the so-called "lazy battery effect". (Some people use this term as a synonym for "memory effect".) This effect is the result of repeated overcharging; the symptom is that the battery appears to be fully charged but discharges quickly after only a brief period of operation. Sometimes, much of the lost capacity can be recovered by a few deep discharge cycles, a function often provided by automatic NiCd battery chargers. However, this process may reduce the shelf-life of the battery [1]. If treated well, a NiCd battery can last for 1000 cycles or more before its capacity drops below half its original capacity.

Answer 3

Erica, the only way to know for sure is to read the manual(s) that came with the computer, or call or write the company that made the computer.

I would think the battery would remain fully charged all the time. Other tools using similar batteries suggest keeping the batteries charged at all times. But, I am not the expert, here. Ask the company.

Answer 4

No, the more you use it plugged in, the longer the lifetime of the battery will be. A battery only has so many charge/drain cycles in its lifespan and using the laptop plugged in whenever possible will maximize that lifespan.
The battery does not drain when plugged in and stays "topped" off.

Answer 5

in case you bypass away your laptop plugged in 24/7, why did no longer you purchase a working laptop or laptop? in case you run on battery means you could sacrifice overall performance to get battery sturdiness, a battery will final 2 -3 hours in one sitting in case you have your means putting ideal and pointless classes no longer working in the historic past. The existence of the battery is approximately 2 years or extra beneficial if properly maintained. Older laptop batteries used to get a "ghost value" however the recent Ni Cad Lithium batteries, i've got faith nonetheless want ideal maintenance, to quit the degredation of the battery existence. i bypass to Battery international, for battery replacements, extra known for motor vehicle batteries , yet do laptop and cellular telephones as properly.

Answer 6

no, you're not wrong. if the computer is running on the adapter (or the battery) you can confirm it by looking at the BIOS, visible by pressing a key at startup

if the battery is not holding a charge it will need replaced. they usually have a button or LED code to indicate their useful life.

try a known good battery

Answer 7

This may sound stupid but you could just take the battery out while your laptop is plugged in, just so you know for SURE it's not using up the battery.

I don't know, just an idea.

Answer 8

I never thought of that but I hope not because mine is always plugged in . I will be watching your answers .

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

ITS NOT HEALTHY FOR YOU LAPTOP CHCKOUT MSN ON LAPTOP CARE