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Ask Our Experts: Laptop Battery Life

What's the best way to preserve a notebook battery?

Kalpana Ettenson, PC World

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Should I always leave the lithium ion battery in my notebook or should I take it out until I need it?

Elly44, via the PCWorld.com forums

Senior Editor Kalpana Ettenson responds: Even if you use your laptop primarily when it is plugged in, removing the battery is not a good idea--your battery will function better and last longer if you keep it in the machine. However, if the battery is unused for a long time, it can lose its ability to hold a full charge. To use your battery optimally, you should charge it up all the way when you first buy your notebook. You should then discharge it all the way down, and then charge it up again. This procedure calibrates the battery and enables it to run for more cycles.

Need information or advice about a buying decision? Drop us a line at askourexperts@pcworld.com.

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