For people with gadgets (that means almost all of us, unless you're one of those people who have made a conscious decision to go simple and green and devoid their lives with all technology), keeping batteries functioning is a huge concern. With a battery that's always empty, how can you enjoy using your mobile gadgets? But then, knowing how long you have to connect your gadgets to your 4-port USB 3.0 docking station for charging is another concern.
After all, there's such a thing as overcharging, or the case wherein the battery conks out because it has been charged longer then necessary. Many have reported that overcharging some batteries cause them to bloat and not work anymore. We have even read some news stories of gadgets exploding without any warning, which then are connected to defective batteries.
Clarifying the Confusion
First things first: Let's take note that the main area of concern here are lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are the ones that power our everyday mobile gadgets and get charged by connecting them to a USB 3.0 docking station. These batteries are different from the nickel-based batteries that were used for old appliances. Even though lithium ion batteries are far more superior than nickel-based ones, charging the latter incorrectly can still damage them, in a way that their lifespan will be greatly shortened.
They usually last for some years, but not taking care of them properly will not enable them to hold a charge longer. In some cases, it may take them longer to charge fully, or not charge up to 100%.
Ways to Keep a Healthy Battery
Do "shallow charges"
There was a time, during the late 1990s (when mobile gadgets are just starting to get overly popular) when gadget owners are advised to "drain" their batteries, meaning use their gadgets up until the battery doesn't have any charge left, such that the gadget will "die" because it doesn't have any power left. Once you've "drained" the battery, that's the time when you're supposed to recharge the battery. But that's not the case anymore. For a battery to keep a long-term life, charging is advised once the battery is at 50%.
Don’t fully charge your battery all the time
At the same time, it is not necessary to charge your lithium-ion batteries at 100% all the time. Once the battery is at 80%, you can unplug it. Keep it in the 60 – 85% range to prolong its lifespan. And during times when you have fully charged the battery, don't leave the gadget plugged for longer. Unnecessary charges may "fry" the parts of both your gadget and the battery.
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