[nzlug] Energy saving Linux

[Robert Coup]

On 20/08/07, yuri <yuridg at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Probably no gain. Laptop batteries burn out if the laptop is running
> on mains most of the time.


Uh, sorry to rain on your parade, but...

Laptops virtually all[1] have Lithium Ion batteries, which need a little
more love during charging than "apply 1.2A until it gets warm", which is
fine for NiCd and passable for NiMH[2]. Since they need a charging
controller anyway, it costs the same (some very small number of cents) to
have a reasonable one or a useless one. So they generally have reasonable
ones.

Lithium ion batteries degrade over time (from manufacture, NOT first-use)
and when hot (poor ventilation)[3]. Thats about it. So don't buy a spare
laptop battery until your existing one is kaput.

Rob :)

[1] Toby bought the very cheapest laptop in NZ earlier this year, and it had
a NiCd battery. I'd hope no others do.
[2] Really cheap chargers for NiCd and NiMH don't even do the temperature
cut-off which is when the battery gets cooked.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_charger
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery