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Resolved leave laptop plugged in while away on vacation?

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by fourdoor2041, 2009/06/13.

  1. 2009/06/13
    fourdoor2041

    fourdoor2041 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hello: I have read battery-life recommendations and understand the difference between using the laptop at home as a desktop alternative as opposed to being mobile. One thing puzzles me: If I leave my laptop at home, shut off, I have been told by an "expert" to leave the charger plugged in. I'm going to be gone for 6 - 8 weeks and not taking my laptop. Sounds crazy to me to leave it plugged in (computer shut off, of course). What do you think? The user's guide is vague on this issue and only refers to "first charge" information.

    Bob F
     
    fourdoor2041,
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  2. 2009/06/13
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Just remove the battery - assuming that is possible :)

    I have 2 laptops - on one (HP Business) the battery holds it's charge while unused for weeks - on the other (EeePC, used very occasionally) if the battery is left in it becomes discharged so I remove it and the charge is held.

    I am told the same happens with some camcorders - battery discharging when not used. Must be something to do with the circiutry.
     
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  4. 2009/06/13
    Lukeno1

    Lukeno1 Well-Known Member

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    Indeed, the same effect happens with some cameras - I left two Lithium batteries in mine for about 2-3 months, tried to turn it on... nada. Always take em out now :D
     
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  5. 2009/06/13
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    Yes, it would be good to remove the "system " battery, but there will also be a CMOS battery. If you leave it disconnected from any power, it will rely on the CMOS battery to hold the BIOS settings, that is why I expect the expert person recommended keeping the charger plugged in.

    The laptops I know will run on charger without the system battery attached (it should tell you in the manual). I would remove the system battery, but keep the charger connected so that the CMOS battery isn't discharged.

    Matt
     
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  6. 2009/06/13
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I think that's overkill Matt :)

    I left my old laptop unused for at least 6 months, maybe longer, with the Li-ion battery removed. When I dug it out to dust down and clean up for sale the Li-ion battey was still close to full charge and it booted up without issue. CMOS batteries last a good few years.
     
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  7. 2009/06/13
    fourdoor2041

    fourdoor2041 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    What I am asking, is there any problem leaving the battery in the computer with the computer turned off, lid on the laptop closed, and the charger still plugged in to the outlet, battery cable connected. Any thoughts?
    Bob F
     
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  8. 2009/06/14
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    Could be Pete :D, but when I was replacing a keyboard, I saw one and it looked like the whole machine needed to be dismantled to replace it. Every make/model is different though. I would not like to have to replace that one :)

    Matt
     
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  9. 2009/06/14
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    With the charger connected, I think that would be fine, but see if the others have any other opinions.

    Matt
     
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  10. 2009/06/14
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    I wouldn't leave anything plugged in it there's a possibility of lightening strikes while you're gone;)
     
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  11. 2009/06/14
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    I would never leave stuff plugged in if I'd be gone for more then just a weekend.
     
    Arie,
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  12. 2009/06/14
    Lukeno1

    Lukeno1 Well-Known Member

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    That shouldn't be a problem if its plugged into a proper surge protector... ;)
     
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  13. 2009/06/14
    fourdoor2041

    fourdoor2041 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Here's something I just found in the user's guide for the Toshiba Satellite notebook that I'm referring to: "Once the battery is charged for the first time, avoid leaving the computer plugged in and turned off for more than a few hours at a time. Continuing to charge a fully charged battery can damage the battery. "

    I always thought that the charger shut off automatically once the battery is fully charged. Getting myself more confused by the minute:confused:...I guess Arie's advice above is best. Thanks for everyone's input.

    Fourdoor2041
    Bob F
     
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    #12
  14. 2009/06/15
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    The ONLY proper surge protector is a battery backup unit that also has automatic voltage regulation. Plain surge protectors rarely stop spikes. Even those 50 dollar Monster surge protectors and other expensive ones don't stop the surges. They are simply power outlets with a built in cheap circuit brealker, A good circuit breaker, such as those used in an electric panel, are quite expensive, and even they don't stop spikes.
     
    TonyT,
    #13

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