Charging device before first usage

[Gordon.C]

Hi,

I have heard this about 7 years ago and I never figured out whether its a myth or not.

Do you need to charge a device such as laptop or cellphone for an extended period of time (7 hours) before you start using it for the first time.

I heard this from some guy in a computer shop who claimed the battery needs to format itself by being plugged into power before you start using it regularly. This formatting process shall increase the lifetime and capacity of the battery.

Is it even remotely true? Is there perhaps some other practice with new devices one should do?

 

[wolfeking]

Assuming I understand yur question right, no it is not still true. It was true back in the days of Nickle Cadmium batteries. Lithium Ion batteries do not still have the "charge memory" anymore.

That however does not mean it is a bad idea to charge your laptop/cell phone/power drill/etc fully before first use.

 

[jaydeee]

I also heard this idea but modern batteries are much more smarter and durable today. Charge your battery when needed

 

[tremmor]

Havent seen smart batteries except for the fact they tell ya how much charge is left. I have tools with smart batteries and smart chargers. If the battery is plugged in and charging the charger will automatically stop charging and not boil your battery.

Yes, plug the battery in for 8 hrs first time. Its a break in to max it out.

Don't leave on the charger 24 hrs a day. that will ruin it.

If running off the battery i would put on the charger if it hits 20%. Running down to zero volts will be another big mistake.