Ah, the modern marvel that is the laptop.
Sleek, powerful, and just a bit temperamental when it comes to battery life.
Charging your laptop might seem like a straightforward task, but it’s fraught with pitfalls that could turn your beloved device into an expensive paperweight.
So, let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of laptop charging, with a touch of my humor and a hefty dose of professionalism.
Do’s while charging your laptop.
1. Do keep it cool.
Laptops are a lot like people: they don’t perform well when they overheat. Always charge your laptop on a hard, flat surface to ensure proper ventilation. Charging it on a soft surface like a bed or couch can block the vents and cause overheating.
Think of it like this: your laptop doesn’t want to take a sauna while it’s refueling.
2. Do use the original charger.
Using the charger that came with your laptop is crucial. It’s like trying to fit into someone else’s shoes—awkward and potentially harmful.
Third-party chargers might not provide the correct voltage or current, leading to inefficient charging or, worse, battery damage.
3. Do charge regularly.
It’s a myth that you should always let your battery drain completely before charging it. Modern lithium-ion batteries don’t suffer from memory effect, so it’s better to keep your battery level between 20% and 80%.
Think of it like keeping your energy levels up with regular snacks rather than binge-eating once a week.
Don’ts while charging your laptop.
1. Don’t overcharge.
While many modern laptops are designed to stop charging once they reach 100%, it’s still not a great idea to leave them plugged in all the time.
It’s like sleeping with your mouth open under a chocolate fountain—just because it stops pouring when it’s full doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Overcharging can generate excess heat and potentially reduce battery lifespan.
2. Don’t charge in extreme temperatures.
Charging your laptop in extremely hot or cold environments can damage the battery. If your laptop feels like it’s been sunbathing on a tropical beach or shivering in an Arctic blast, let it return to room temperature before plugging it in.
Your laptop prefers a comfortable climate, much like a person who doesn’t enjoy being roasted or frozen. The safe temperature is below 36° Celsius.
3. Don’t use your laptop while charging (sometimes).
Using your laptop while it’s charging can generate additional heat and slow down the charging process. If you’re running heavy applications like video editing software or games, it’s best to let your laptop charge in peace.
It’s like trying to jog on a treadmill while eating a burger—not very effective and potentially messy. I know the reference is bad, but we are doing the same.
Bonus tips you should follow.
Unplug during lightning storms.
Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable. During a lightning storm, it’s best to unplug your laptop to avoid any electrical surges.
Think of it as giving your laptop a mini-vacation from the stress of charging.
Limit battery charging to maximum 80% (special use).
Some laptop manufacturers give an option to limit the charging to maximum 80%, and it is useful for them who always keep the charging cable connected. By charging to 80% limit, the battery doesn’t overheat and run longer.
Once battery it charged to 80% capacity, laptop switch back to direct charger for any energy consumption. Just like a computer + UPS connected to it.
Invest in a quality surge protector.
A good surge protector is like a bouncer at a nightclub—it keeps the unwanted guests (power surges) out and lets the good times roll. This can help protect your laptop from sudden spikes in electricity that could fry its delicate circuits.
Charging your laptop correctly can significantly extend its lifespan and keep it running smoothly. Follow these do’s and don’ts, and your laptop will thank you by being a reliable companion for years to come.
Just remember, a happy laptop makes for a happy user—unless it starts asking for coffee breaks and a corner office.
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