I have just received my new battery from Apple via the iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 Battery Exchange Program. I currently use my iBook as a desktop computer (stays plugged in to the power) and won't be using it as a laptop until I go to uni next year.

My question is, what is the best way to prolong the life of my brand new battery since I won't be using it until next year?

Should I follow the instructions in my iBook user guide and put it it, drain it, then recharge it? Should I then, as I have read elsewhere, drain it each week (?).

Would there be any merit to not using it at all (ie just leave it in its package) until next year? What is the shelf life on an unused battery?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Good guides over @ Apple....

Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86284

About PowerBook and iBook Battery Storage Life
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=10571

Thank you Kildare. Just the info I was after.

220 charge cycles down, almost 2 years, and I still get 4 and a half hours out of my powerbook... I have seen iBook batteries die out quicker than that.. I just leave mine plugged in whenever I can.

Without reading those links to apple... Isn't it best for these types of batteries if you keep them charged as much as possible?

Matt.

OOPs: double post

Run it down to 40% charge (Why? Seems an optimum state: no idea why though) chuck it in an airtight bag ('Glad' ziplock) with a few silica gel packs (for moisture control). Chuck that in another one or two ziplock bags for good measure and THEN store it in your refrigerator (not freezer). and your battery should suffer very little deterioration over the next 12 months. At room temperature you will lose about 15-20% capacity through natural deterioration over the same period

Note: Lithium Ion batteries have a set life regardless of whether they are used or not (due to internal processes in the battery involving electrode degradation: ALL chemical process work slower at lower temperatures). When you want to use the battery again take it out of the fridge (leave it sealed to avoid condensation) and wait several hours until the battery has reached room temperature or its operating temperature range.

kim

Oooh. I like that advice Kim Jong Il.

Should I 'calibrate' it first (run it down completely) before getting it to 40%?

Thanks in advance.

your post is very informative Kim. Thank you
I heard from my friend, that if we need to avoid using the battery and the power adaptor in the same time for a long time (if we use it as desktop); since it shorten the life of the Li-Battery. My friend needed to bring the powerbook back to apple because he got problem with power matter.

However, another friend of mine said to me that, powerbook automatically switch power supply from battery to power adapter as soon as we connect the power adapter to electricity. which one is the right information?