Laptop plugged in 24/7, problem?

Hi,
Im running a Dell Inspiron 1520 with a 6cell battery. I have no use to carry it around anymore, so i use it like a desk top at home. Thus, it stays plugged in and charging 24/7, not put to sleep nor turned off. Well occasionally I'd turn it off when It's running really hot. And now my battery won't last 20mins. Well i deserved that but i want to know if it is okay to continue this habit with a dead battery, will any damage be inflicted to my pc due to this action?

If your not going to use the battery I would remove it and recycle it. The battery could severely damaged overtime and may cause damage to the laptop. Leaving your Laptop plugged in all the time is not wrong but you should cycle the battery (drain it then recharge it) a few times a month to prevent the problem you are facing now. The laptop will work fine without a battery, although if the power goes out you wont have the few extra seconds to save anything unless you purchase a UPS (Un-interuptable Power Supply)

Thanks a lot. Are there any heat related issues with leaving the power plugged in all the time?
my computer seems to run hotter with the plug in, will this change if i run the computer with the plug without the battery?

The older laptops used NiCd (nickel cadmium) batteries, currently they are using Li-ion (Lithium-ion) batteries.

There is a urban myth associated with NiCd batteries that they need to be completely discharged or the will develop "memory effect" and will not fully recharge there after. Like most myths there is a kernel of truth, the effect is known as Voltage Depression, but this has no relation to completely discharging the battery, this effect is related to very slow charging techniques. The point is that the batteries do not need to be completely discharged before recharging, in fact it is detrimental to the battery.

The following is an excerpt from this article.

A lithium-ion battery provides 300-500 discharge/charge cycles. The battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Instead, charge the battery more often or use a larger battery. There is no concern of memory when applying unscheduled charges.

I am a victim of the Urban legend. Thanks for the correction DC . As for the heat issues it should not be a problem however if your laptop is getting REALLY hot you may want to invest in a cooling pad such as these.

The older laptops used NiCd (nickel cadmium) batteries, currently they are using Li-ion (Lithium-ion) batteries.

There is a urban myth associated with NiCd batteries that they need to be completely discharged or the will develop "memory effect" and will not fully recharge there after. Like most myths there is a kernel of truth, the effect is known as Voltage Depression, but this has no relation to completely discharging the battery, this effect is related to very slow charging techniques. The point is that the batteries do not need to be completely discharged before recharging, in fact it is detrimental to the battery.

The following is an excerpt from this article.

A lithium-ion battery provides 300-500 discharge/charge cycles. The battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Instead, charge the battery more often or use a larger battery. There is no concern of memory when applying unscheduled charges.

that clears up a lot of things, i always wondered about this thx=). As for the cooling fan im in the process of making one myself but my laptop is dead right now (virussed) so that project is on hold. the Zalman cooler is nice =)

I did not know that myself. Thank you DC3. I've always thought after about 6 months to deep cycle the battery at least 3 times. Fully drain and charge. That's what one battery manufacture told me on a notice sent with a few replacement batteries. Note I'm talking NiMH. Li-ion shouldn't have any memory effects that I know of. Other then It hates extreme temperature changes.

Li-ion shouldn't have any memory effects that I know of. Other then It hates extreme temperature changes.

I always left my pc plugged in and the battery would get really hot. But in terms of temp changes i'd rarely turn it off or unplug it so it would stay constantly hot...i guess thats ok?

In the article that I provided the link for previously it covers the problems of high temperatures and the effects on the longevity of the battery.

High charge levels and elevated temperatures hasten permanent capacity loss.

Edited by dc3, 31 January 2009 - 01:24 AM.

I see ur quote explains a lot of things. funny story; the a/c chord popped out and fell behind the desk, i reached to get it, i plugged it back in, checked my battery life and it was 64%. 36% loss in a matter of 30sec lol =D