computer problem

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by tw

A desktop stays in one location. Does not contain a UPS.

A laptop is mobile - can be used in (and powered by) a car. Contains a UPS. Can be used temporarily without power during unexpected events.

Yes, I understand the technological difference between the two. But if I can't drag my laptop all over the house for a couple hours at a time, then plug it back in to recharge before dragging it all over the house again... then it's no good to me.

Originally Posted by tw

Laptops also have a UPS – typically rated only for 300 discharge cycles.

How do partial discharges fit into this rating? Because I've had this laptop (with the original battery) for almost 3 years now, and I've run it on battery power for at least 2-3 hours a day, every single day. That's about 1000 partial discharges.

[tw]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

How do partial discharges fit into this rating? Because I've had this laptop (with the original battery) for almost 3 years now, and I've run it on battery power for at least 2-3 hours a day, every single day. That's about 1000 partial discharges.

Best I can provide are ballpark numbers. For example, discharging to 25% may be equivalent to 10% of a life expectancy cycles. 50% discharge may be equivalent a 35% or 40% discharge cycle. And (of course) a 100% discharge would count as a 100% discharge cycle. Ballpark numbers that only demonstrate the trend.

Another factor is how fast a discharge occurs. Some batteries last longer if each discharge cycle is slower. Or if power drain does not involve high power demand spikes. If computer useage involves repeated sleeps or other 'low power' operations, then again, a battery discharge is not as destructive to life expectancy.

Specfic numbers are difficult to obtain.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

How do partial discharges fit into this rating? Because I've had this laptop (with the original battery) for almost 3 years now, and I've run it on battery power for at least 2-3 hours a day, every single day. That's about 1000 partial discharges.

Just saw this and thought I'd pass it along.
How to make your electronics batteries last longer