Moderator: Thanas
" - bcoogler on this
You don't need to worry about static damage to anything other than exposed electronic components.(the pocket being surprisingly "cloth-y" and the sort I worry of a static incident on)
Wait, so use of laptops plugged in will actually hurt the battery life? Shit, I didn't know that...Vendetta wrote:Batteries will crap out eventually, especially if they're left in the unit whilst it's used on mains for a significant length of time. Not really avoidable in any other way than not leaving the battery in if you intend to use the unit on mains for a significant period. (leave it with around 40% charge for best results)
(I use said laptop not frequently but for hours, and due to the battery, frequently around an outlet.)'Exposed electronic components' include the ports? They're why I've been using the anti-static (plastic) bag to hold the laptop, although now I'm wondering whether that is responsible for a laptop on standby powering off.You don't need to worry about static damage to anything other than exposed electronic components.
" - bcoogler on this I carry my laptop around in a Targus notebook backpack, but I've never had any issues with open ports. They're generally safe from ESD, since it's just the parts with actual circuit traces and capacitors exposed that you have to worry about.Edward Yee wrote:'Exposed electronic components' include the ports?
The standby will hurt the capacity in the long run more than helping it. I've found that the amount of power consumed from a cold bootup is rather negligible, so unless you use the battery frequently it's probably best to shut down completely each time that you need to leave it unused for more than a few minutes.They're why I've been using the anti-static (plastic) bag to hold the laptop, although now I'm wondering whether that is responsible for a laptop on standby powering off.
What's the pocket like? Mine is of the rough material that seems ripe for ESD. :/ (Kinda like wool, or at least it's got tons of loose fibers it seems.)General Zod wrote:I carry my laptop around in a Targus notebook backpack, but I've never had any issues with open ports. They're generally safe from ESD, since it's just the parts with actual circuit traces and capacitors exposed that you have to worry about.
Ouch! Didn't know that, and admittedly wondering why it exists... but I see/understand re: the battery. I assume hibernating's fine?The standby will hurt the capacity in the long run more than helping it. I've found that the amount of power consumed from a cold bootup is rather negligible, so unless you use the battery frequently it's probably best to shut down completely each time that you need to leave it unused for more than a few minutes.
" - bcoogler on this It's a synthetic material, I'm not sure what type of material it is offhand but I've never had any issues with static. It's a bit pricey, but the quality is worth it imo. linkyEdward Yee wrote:What's the pocket like? Mine is of the rough material that seems ripe for ESD. :/ (Kinda like wool, or at least it's got tons of loose fibers it seems.)General Zod wrote:I carry my laptop around in a Targus notebook backpack, but I've never had any issues with open ports. They're generally safe from ESD, since it's just the parts with actual circuit traces and capacitors exposed that you have to worry about.
Not really sure, like I said though, I pretty much never use the hybernate/standby mode (once on accident), so I'm not really sure how badly it affects the battery, just that it's probably not a good idea to use it frequently. Though upgrading to a high-capacity twelve cell battery will probably help.Ouch! Didn't know that, and admittedly wondering why it exists... but I see/understand re: the battery. I assume hibernating's fine?
Just wondering now re: the battery depletions when shutting down, and if memory/CPU usage (as seen in Task Manager) = battery usage, to explain how I could have nearly 2/3 of the battery spent in less than an hour... (I think around 45 minutes.)
Ahh...General Zod wrote:It's a synthetic material, I'm not sure what type of material it is offhand but I've never had any issues with static. It's a bit pricey, but the quality is worth it imo. linky
Had considered these, but it seemed a big much on the budget. I admit, the one that I got was a cheap ($26) school-type roller backpack that happened to have a laptop pocket, didn't look at all purpose-built on the outside.This was even with the wireless card turned off (courtesy of the physical switch).RogueIce wrote:Do you leave your wireless card on? That will suck the battery down pretty good in my experience, even if you're not surfing the net. I have far better battery life with the wireless off (it's integrated) than when I leave it on.
Sadly, I don't think most people -- certainly no one at my school that I've seen -- does, and it certainly doesn't seem publicized...I'll also second not knowing that if you leave it plugged in it'll degrade battery performance. D'oh!
" - bcoogler on this" - bcoogler on this If you use the battery frequently and can afford it, a high-capacity battery might be the way to go. Otherwise a regular one would probably do.Edward Yee wrote:So should I just call it a career and get a new regular or hi-cap battery?
(I assume time to dump this one?)" - bcoogler on this I've done it all the time on my dell and thinkpad.Edward Yee wrote:I'll certainly consider that then.
Come to think of it, I wonder if it's safe to "pop" the battery out while the computer's on if it hits 100% and switches to AC?
Yes, but if you're removing the battery for a vaguely long term period, it's better to store it at around 40-50%, not full charge or discharged.Edward Yee wrote:Come to think of it, I wonder if it's safe to "pop" the battery out while the computer's on if it hits 100% and switches to AC?