Storing backup eReader

[CBG]

How would you store an unused eReader?

I have two Bookeen Cybook Odyssey Frontlight. I use one several hours a day, everyday.The other one is my backup - just in case anything happens to the first one. I do not use the second one and I hope I won't be using it anytime soon.

How would you store this back up device? Battery fully charged, empty, at 40% charge? any tips and advice welcome!

[soulfuldog]

I'm not sure it matters much whether it is fully charged or at 80% but I certainly wouldn't leave it empty. And be prepared to top up the charge once a month (or however long it takes for the battery to deplete, but not fully discharge), otherwise you'll end up with a kaput battery and an ereader that won't work.

That's based purely on common sense, maybe someone who knows more about batteries will have a better idea?

[Pablo]

According to this site, you should store your reader with your battery at 40% for best results

[theducks]

If your reader model allows battery removal, do that after fully charging.
This will slow down the discharge to self-discharge rates.
(the power button circuit, takes some power to operate)

[CBG]

Many thanks for your responses - this is useful and I appreciate it.

CBG

[robko]

You will likely find that the battery doesn't drop that much if the device is turned off (my old Kobo's sit around for months at a time with little battery drop) but lots of good advice above. I'll just add on general principal that a cool, dry spot would be good (i.e. keep it out of the sun or an enclosed area that heats up).

[crich70]

And be sure that it's stored in a place where it won't be likely to suffer damage by something falling on it or something. Ereader screens are prone to breakage if not treated with respect.

[HarryT]

Bear in mind that the clock starts ticking on the battery life the moment it's first charged after leaving the factory, and there's nothing you can do about it. Use it or don't use it, the battery will start losing capacity as time goes on. That's the main reason why there's really little point (to my mind) in keeping a "spare" reader. If your reader dies, buy another one then.

[CBG]

Originally Posted by crich70

And be sure that it's stored in a place where it won't be likely to suffer damage by something falling on it or something. Ereader screens are prone to breakage if not treated with respect.

Tell me about it! the reason why I ended up with two is due to the fact that I inadvertently and barely stepped on a tiny corner of my first E-Reader - which cracked the screen. I took it to the shop and was told the repair would take a couple of weeks. I could not wait that long and bought the second one there and then. I since got the first one back....and I don't slide it/them under the bed anymore when it's time to switch off!

[Apache]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Bear in mind that the clock starts ticking on the battery life the moment it's first charged after leaving the factory, and there's nothing you can do about it. Use it or don't use it, the battery will start losing capacity as time goes on. That's the main reason why there's really little point (to my mind) in keeping a "spare" reader. If your reader dies, buy another one then.

I have to agree with Harry. The same thing happens when people pull the stem out of a watch to keep the battery from discharging. A battery is always discharging. Batteries work by a chemical reaction. Even if it is not connected the chemical reaction is still going on. Also, with watches, stopping the movement will allow lubricant to pool in places tit is not meant to. When the watch is started again there is less lubricant available and this creates additional wear on the parts. If my eBook stops holding a charge I am going to purchase a new one.
Apache

[Bertolt]

Now I'm no ereader nerd (no disrespect at all to those who are) but surely it makes more sense to have just one ereader and back up your books in Calibre. And if you buy your books from Amazon, they are backed up in the cloud and (if you download them onto your PC using the Kindle app) they are also backed up there.
Having said all that, I personally usually buy a new ereader a long time before the battery in the old ereader clunks. Some people like mobile phones, I like ereaders.

[icallaci]

I have two ereaders (they back up each other). I switch back and forth between them, reading with one, then reading the next book with the other. If one ereader goes bad, I still have a working ereader to use, as well as time to order another one, without leaving myself bereft of books to read.

[exscentric]

I've found keeping electronics in a place where the temps vary is not good. I used to store extra stuff in the garage and I'd guess about 75 percent of those stored for a year or two failed to function when returned to service.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by exscentric

I've found keeping electronics in a place where the temps vary is not good. I used to store extra stuff in the garage and I'd guess about 75 percent of those stored for a year or two failed to function when returned to service.

That sounds like more of a problem with damp than with varying temperature.

[crich70]

Originally Posted by HarryT

That sounds like more of a problem with damp than with varying temperature.

A good point Harry, though I wager the average garage can get pretty warm as well. It wouldn't surprise me if the heat in one could bake the chips or other parts of an ereader. Probably leaving one in your car with the windows up could do similar damage. I heard once that a man who made props for Star Trek: Deep Space 9 would put the props that he'd molded on the backseat of his car with the windows up (to cure the rubber etc.) and it worked very well. No kiln needed, so if the heat in an enclosed space can do that a garage isn't a place where I'd keep electronics either.