Quote:
Originally Posted by mand
Oh, OK - that's different from what I understood before. So when the green light comes on, I should unplug ASAP. Is that purely to save mains power, or to protect the kindle's battery?
I was under the impression it's not only ok, but better, to leave it charging even when it's fully charged. (The first step of debricking is to charge for 2-3 days, for example.)
I don't know anything about batteries but I know this is the opposite of other rechargeable batteries such as in a laptop or camera. That's literally the extent of my knowledge, the chemistry side of why has never stuck when I've had it explained. Have I had this wrong all this time?  Can't remember where I first read or heard it. |
This topic comes up from time-to-time so here is a general run-down - - -
The Kindles use a fairly sophisticated battery management chip.
No way as sophisticated as that used in your electric car, but better than in the devices prior to touchscreen models.
There is a certain degree of dependence on properly running firmware.
And if the Kindle firmware is not running properly, then you have to assume that the battery management chip has fallen back to its 'safest' (minimum charge rate or off) mode(s).
That is why the first step of debricking is to put the device on a wall charger for a few days.
If in the 'safe' mode, it could take that long to recharge, otherwise it is in 'off' mode, and no harm will come to the battery.
Another reason is that there are some operational situations (specially on the older devices) that can appear to be "bricked" but the device is just too busy to be responsive.
There are situations like that which will 'fix itself' if kept on external power long enough.
On the devices prior to the touchscreen devices (the K4) leaving it on the charger will swell the battery - to the point that the screen cracks about mid-way.
Some tablets are that crude in their battery management (I have one, waiting for me to change the battery before the screen cracks).
Some laptops, in particular cheap ones, are the same.
On the other hand, some of the brands of net-tops (a small, low cost, laptop) have very good battery management.
I have some that have been plugged in for years (it is their normal condition - they are stationary) without harm to the battery.
On the KT running its most recent firmware and on all other touchscreen devices - -
There is no hurry to take it off the charger, as long as it is operating normally.
There is also no reason to leave it on the charger any longer than required to keep it at least 30% charged.