FREQUENTLY ASKED BATTERY QUESTIONS 

What are main batteries? Main (or power) batteries are used to power devices like laptop computers when the device is not being powered by an external AC or DC power source. These types of batteries are generally designed to power the device for between 1 - 4 hours. What is a "Smart" battery? Some laptop computers use what are called 'smart' batteries. A smart battery contains internal electronics which enables it to send data about its status and performance to the computer. Smart batteries generally run more efficiently than 'dumb' batteries (batteries without internal electronics) and allow the computer to more accurately report to the user exactly how much power it can provide and for how long. What is a CMOS or Clock battery? CMOS batteries are used in desktop and laptop computers. They power the memory used to store the computers CMOS settings. CMOS settings contain basic information about the computers configuration, like amount of memory installed, types of drives installed, types of devices installed, types of ports available, power management configuration and other data. CMOS batteries are generally found in older computer designs. Most recent computer designs use flash (non-volaltile) memory to store CMOS settings. What are RAM or Resume batteries? RAM (random access memory) batteries (or resume or bridge batteries) are used in some computer designs to maintain the computers RAM when the computers power is interrupted for a short period of time. Can I upgrade my battery to a newer chemistry? NiCad, NiMH and Li-ion are all fundamentally different from one another and cannot be substituted unless the device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one type of rechargeable battery. The difference between them stems from the fact that each type requires a different charging pattern to be properly recharged. Therefore, the portable device's charger must be properly configured to handle a given type of rechargeable battery. -> Refer to your owner's manual to find out which rechargeable battery types your particular device supports, or simply use our search engine to find your device. It will automatically list all of the battery types supported by your machine. How can I maximize my batteries performance? Please note the following advice: Breaking In New Batteries New batteries come in a discharged condition and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge and discharge your new battery two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity. Preventing the Memory Effect Keep your battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect. Keep Your Batteries Clean It's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and your portable device. Exercise Your Battery Do not leave your battery dormant for long periods of time. We recommend using the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If a battery has not been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery break in procedure described above. Battery Storage If you don't plan on using the battery for a month or more, we recommend storing it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to break them in before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months. For Notebook Users To get maximum performance from your battery, fully optimize the notebook's power management features prior to use. Power management is a trade off: better power conservation in exchange for lesser computer performance. The power management system conserves battery power by setting the processor to run at a slower speed, dimming the screen, spinning down the hard drive when it's not in use and causing the machine to go into sleep mode when inactive. Your notebook user's guide will provide information relating to specific power management features. Why isn't my new battery charging? New rechargeable batteries are shipped in a semi-discharged state(depending on the chemistry). When you receive a new rechargeable battery, be sure to charge the battery in accordance with the manufacturers instructions - typically this will involve charging the battery for between 12 - 24 hours before the battery is first used. New batteries are hard for your device to charge; they have never been fully charged and are therefore "unformed". Sometimes your device's charger will stop charging a new battery before it is fully charged. If this happens, simply remove the battery from your device and then re-insert it. The charge cycle should begin again. This may happen several times during your first battery charge. Don't worry; it's perfectly normal. How long do batteries last? The life of a rechargeable battery operating under normal conditions is generally between 500 to 800 charge-discharge cycles. This translates into one and a half to three years of battery life for the average user. As your rechargeable battery begins to die, you will notice a decline in the running time of the battery. When your two hour battery is only supplying you with an hour's worth of use, it's time for a new one. What is the "Memory Effect"? NiCad and to a much smaller degree NiMH batteries, can be affected by a "memory effect" problem. A memory effect problem can occur when a battery is repeatedly only partially discharged before it is recharged - the battery forgets that it has the capacity to discharge all the way down. This problem is caused by an accumulation of gas bubbles on the batteries cell plates when the battery is only partially discharged and then recharged. The gas bubbles reduce the cell plates surface area - resulting in a decrease in capacity. For example: If a battery is 100% fully charged and then uses only 40% of its capacity before the next recharge, after time the battery will become unaware of its extra 60% capacity which has remained unused. The battery will remain functional, but only at 40% of its capacity. To avoid this "memory" problem be sure to fully cycle (fully charge and then fully discharge) the battery at least once every few weeks. A batteries can be discharged by unplugging the devices AC adapter and letting the device run on the battery until it stops functioning - this will ensure the battery remains in good condition. How to recycle an old battery? Nicad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries should be recycled. Be environmentally conscious - do NOT throw these batteries in the trash.

Powerline BatterySpecialist is the right place for power related products you are looking for: laptop, desktop, ups system, clock batteries,ac adapter and car cord, cellular or cell phone accessories, handheld scanners, cordless telephone, video and digital camera batteries and accessories. We also carry CTX monitors, computer enclosures and transformers and power supplies.