t30 battery care

[cparker]

I just got a new battery for my t30 (thank you Harryc!) and it completes my t30 "makeover" project (2gb ram, new 5400rpm drive, new battery). The unit, well, it just runs like a top now. A pleasure. Thank you forum members for your suggestions and encouragement!

I was wondering how to best care for my new battery considering my usage pattern. The t30 isn't used that often. It's available in case we need a portable to be taken to a Starbucks for email access should our wifi go down. Also to be brought into a client's office on very rare occasions (maybe once or twice a year). Finally, as a "desktop" replacement should one of our two desktops go down (which has never actually happened). Other than that, we use it every week or two for the sheer joy of using it and to make sure everything's updated and ready to go for the other occasions.

So is it OK to just plug in the ac adapter every few weeks (or days?) or so to make sure the charge is 100 percent? Or should I leave it plugged in permanently? Or take out the battery when it's not in use? Or ?????? I've read conflicting reports on what's best to do in this regard to prolong the life of the battery.

When I bought the unit used, three years ago, it came with a battery that held no charge, so this is all new to me.

[Harryc]

If the battery is not used that often I'd reduce the charge to 40% and store it in the fridge. When you need it take it out the night before and charge it.

[cparker]

Got it. Thanks!