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Old 12-23-2010, 05:41 PM   #16
ramboky
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Device: Bookeen Cybook Opus
Quote:
Originally Posted by gtriever View Post
Actually, it does. At levels at or below 2.5VDC, the batteries can "die" and cannot be safely recharged. Most devices with Li-Poly batteries will have a protection circuit built in to prevent discharging at levels less than 2.7 - 3.0VDC. I'm assuming the Kindle has that circuit as well, so you're partially correct.
ALL consumer electronic devices running lithium polymer batteries will have low voltage protection as over discharged lipos are quickly damaged and can be a fire risk. From the users point of view when the battery reaches the low voltage limit set by the circuit it's effectively empty so no, it does not make a difference when you charge it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wvcherrybomb View Post
For some stupid reason I was under the impression that it was best to not charge until battery was completely dead. I would much rather charge it often and keep it full but always felt guilty about doing so.
That's a very common misconception and not stupid at all. NiMH batteries which used to be much more widely used in consumer devices have a 'memory effect' which basically means if the battery doesn't reach it's full and empty points it forgets where they are meaning you have a smaller and smaller range of usable battery. Lipo batteries like those in the Kindle have no memory effect so you can safely charge them whenever it's convenient.
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