mobile phone batteries

[maxd]

is it still the case that you should let your battery die completely before you charge it? Have just got a new phone and am a bit worried about it giving up the ghost just when i really need it in this weather.

[eash]

You should probably do that the first few times ie fully charge then let it die but I can't see any harm in charging it before it fully dies after that. If that makes sense?
Others on here maybe able to word what I am trying to say better! lol

[kempie]

To fully optimise the lifespan of "old style" NiCad batteries they needed to be fully discharged before recharging. Reconditioning NiCads after poorly managed recharge cyles is very difficult.

NiMH batteries also require this style of recharge cycle, however poorly managed cells are easier to recondition than NiCad.

Modern Li-Ion batteries respond best to regular "top up" recharging, i.e. without allowing full discharge.

[fo3nix]

Just to add to kempie's answer, just use the battery basically.

Don't keep it charged forever, and don't keep it empty forever. Just use it as and when you need to, and charge it as and when it's convenient.

To make sure the battery level indicator is properly set up, it's good practice to fully discharge the battery (i.e., use it until it turns off), leave it for a few hours like this, then plug it in and keep it fully charged at 100% for a few hours before unplugging. Do this once a month or every few months.

This all goes for your laptop battery too, assuming li-ion or nimh.

[eastern]

As with all batteries it is best to keep them topped right up and then used in a normal cycle, NiMh were supposed to be immune from the memory effect that dogged NiCd, and as NiCd are "supposed" to be no longer used you shouldn't need to let them run flat. The new generation of LiPo and LiIon do not like being run flat especially the LiPo, in fact you can damage the battery terminally by letting it run right down. Best policy is follow the manufacturers instructions, and when you charge the battery disconnect as soon as its fully charged. It always takes at least 3 full charges before it reaches full capacity.