Battery Pack Maintenance - IBM ThinkPad 310E User Manual

Charging the Battery Pack

Battery Pack Maintenance

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IBM ThinkPad 310E/310ED: User's Guide
Many users are familiar with the phenomenon known as battery
memory, where after repeated partial charging and discharging the
battery pack appears to lose some of all of its original capacity. The
nickel/metal-hydride (NiMH) battery packs used by the ThinkPad are
less susceptible to memory development than are the more
common nickel/cadmium (NiCd) batteries. However, to ensure the
longest possible battery life, in terms of both length of use per
charge and number of charge and number of charge and discharge
cycles before wearing out, please observe the following guidelines:
•
Battery packs shipped from the factory are in an almost
discharged state, so you must charge them fully before use.
•
When charging, always charge the battery pack fully. Even if
you only need to run on battery power for a fraction of the
battery's capacity, you should not try to give the battery a partial
charge.
•
Normal charging causes the battery pack to heat up slightly. Let
it cool for 15 minutes before you use it.
•
Immediately after the battery pack has been drained of power, it
may be warm to the touch. This is normal. However, for longer
battery life, it should be set aside to cool for 15 minutes before
recharging.