TITLE
    PowerBook: Battery Shelf Life
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		10571
8/11/92
6/28/99
TOPIC

    How long can I store my PowerBook battery?

DISCUSSION

    Apple uses four different types of batteries for PowerBook computers: Sealed Lead Acid (SLA), Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium Ion (LiIon). Each type of battery has different storage life characteristics.

    Sealed Lead Acid Batteries (SLA )
    • 2 to 3 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to operate the PowerBook
    • 12 to 18 months - Battery can still be charged
    • 24 + months - Uncertain

    Nickel Cadmium Batteries (NiCad)
    • 1 to 2 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to operate the PowerBook
    • 6 to 12 months - Battery can still be charged
    • 24 + months - Uncertain

    Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
    • 1 to 2 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to operate the PowerBook
    • 6 to 12 months - Battery can still be charged
    • 24 + months - Uncertain

    N ote: The PowerBook Intelligent Battery (NiMH) has improved charging abilities and has the following characteristics:
    • A fully charged battery has a six month shelf life
    • If the battery is discharged in sleep as far as it will go to the point that the computer goes into shutdown, the computer can stay in this state for six weeks.

    Lithium Ion Batteries (Li-Ion)
    • 1 to 2 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to operate the PowerBook
    • 6 to 12 months - Battery can still be charged
    • 12 + months - Uncertain

    Batteries may be damaged if stored for prolonged periods with a closed circuit. The environmental temperature will also affect the storage life of any battery. Cool environments are best, and are assumed for the above estimates. All storage times are based on storage starting with the battery fully charged.

Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: PowerBook
Sub Category: General Topics

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