In the Vault

Calenorn · 11-24-2014, 09:29 AM

So, what would happen to an e-ink reader if it were stored unused for a long period of time, perhaps several years. Let's say one is found, still in the original packaging, never opened, five or ten years after it was manufactured. Would it still operate normally? Is there a shelf-life on the battery or other components that is unrelated to use?

theducks · 11-24-2014, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calenorn

So, what would happen to an e-ink reader if it were stored unused for a long period of time, perhaps several years. Let's say one is found, still in the original packaging, never opened, five or ten years after it was manufactured. Would it still operate normally? Is there a shelf-life on the battery or other components that is unrelated to use?

Batteries are chemically active and need to be maintained at intervals.
Depending on the device model, the battery may be permanently connected (or shipped connected). (Translation: There is always a vry small load on them) Letting a battery remain Dead is very hard on it, to the point of failure or Leaking

.

Contacts (component) oxidize. Without current flow/normal flexing , they become 'dirty' and less reliable.

BTW none of the above is specific to just e-ink devices.

Calenorn · 11-24-2014, 12:51 PM

Got it. So, second question: to keep a device for as long as possible, how often should it be turned on? How often should the battery be recharged?

Anthem · 11-24-2014, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calenorn

Got it. So, second question: to keep a device for as long as possible, how often should it be turned on? How often should the battery be recharged?

The basic advice for rechargeable batteries is about what Apple recommends on their website: http://www.apple.com/batteries/

Specifically some of your questions are answered here: http://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/

For long storage you generally want to keep the device around a 50 percent charge, in theory.

Calenorn · 11-24-2014, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthem

For long storage you generally want to keep the device around a 50 percent charge, in theory.

Ah, that's helpful.

pidgeon92 · 11-24-2014, 10:34 PM

The charge you need to maintain, but do you ever have to turn it on?

Anthem · 11-25-2014, 11:46 AM

Calenorn, you are welcome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidgeon92

The charge you need to maintain, but do you ever have to turn it on?

I'm not 100% sure. Some devices power on completely when you charge them (many tablets, for instance). But some devices do not appear to completely boot.

I would think that every six months when you go to push the charge back up to around 50% it would be a decent idea to power up the unit for a few minutes. Can't imagine it would hurt.

HarryT · 11-25-2014, 12:01 PM

A well looked-after lithium battery has a typical lifespan of around 5-7 years, so I'm afraid your 1000 years is a tad optimistic

.

eschwartz · 11-25-2014, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

A well looked-after lithium battery has a typical lifespan of around 5-7 years, so I'm afraid your 1000 years is a tad optimistic

.

Who said anything about a thousand years?

HarryT · 11-25-2014, 03:24 PM

Hmmm. I must have misread it. I could have sworn that it said 1000 years

.

Bricorn · 11-25-2014, 04:46 PM

This reminded me to charge my spare Kindle DX, thanks.

I've now made a recurring calendar entry to do that every 2 months - got to keep it ready as they aren't making any more.

rkomar · 11-25-2014, 04:56 PM

I've read that taking out the battery and storing it in the freezer makes it last longer.

speakingtohe · 11-25-2014, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

Batteries are chemically active and need to be maintained at intervals.
Depending on the device model, the battery may be permanently connected (or shipped connected). (Translation: There is always a vry small load on them) Letting a battery remain Dead is very hard on it, to the point of failure or Leaking

.

Contacts (component) oxidize. Without current flow/normal flexing , they become 'dirty' and less reliable.

BTW none of the above is specific to just e-ink devices.

I agree with theducks.
I use all of my readers, even the one I don't like, at least once a month.

I have had the dying or leaking battery in devices unused for a long time, or devices (laptops ) always plugged in and fully charged.

I think regular usage (charge/discharge) is the best way as at least you will know when something starts to fail.

But chances are every battery is unique.

Helen

Anthem · 11-26-2014, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

A well looked-after lithium battery has a typical lifespan of around 5-7 years, so I'm afraid your 1000 years is a tad optimistic

.

I would put the lifespan somewhere closer to 2-3 years if you expect to maintain close to the original charge capacity, with 5 being on the outside or "lucky" realm.

I've NEVER had a lithium battery last longer than 3-4 years without starting to lose charge capacity. Ever. And general testing of lithium battery technology bears this out.

HarryT · 11-26-2014, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthem

I've NEVER had a lithium battery last longer than 3-4 years without starting to lose charge capacity. Ever. And general testing of lithium battery technology bears this out.

It'll start to lose capacity right from day 1. The only issue really is how long it'll be before it completely dies.

My iPhone 4 is four and a half years old now, and its battery probably has half the capacity it did when new.

11-24-2014, 09:29 AM	#1
Calenorn Brash Fumbler Posts: 1,203 Karma: 9224939 Join Date: May 2013 Device: NST, Kobo Mini	In the Vault So, what would happen to an e-ink reader if it were stored unused for a long period of time, perhaps several years. Let's say one is found, still in the original packaging, never opened, five or ten years after it was manufactured. Would it still operate normally? Is there a shelf-life on the battery or other components that is unrelated to use?

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11-24-2014, 12:51 PM	#3
Calenorn Brash Fumbler Posts: 1,203 Karma: 9224939 Join Date: May 2013 Device: NST, Kobo Mini	Got it. So, second question: to keep a device for as long as possible, how often should it be turned on? How often should the battery be recharged?

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11-25-2014, 12:01 PM	#8
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,560 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	A well looked-after lithium battery has a typical lifespan of around 5-7 years, so I'm afraid your 1000 years is a tad optimistic .

11-25-2014, 03:24 PM	#10
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,560 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Hmmm. I must have misread it. I could have sworn that it said 1000 years .

11-25-2014, 04:46 PM	#11
Bricorn Addict Posts: 289 Karma: 7788748 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fun Town, Thailand Device: Kindle DXG	This reminded me to charge my spare Kindle DX, thanks. I've now made a recurring calendar entry to do that every 2 months - got to keep it ready as they aren't making any more.

11-25-2014, 04:56 PM	#12
rkomar Wizard Posts: 3,067 Karma: 18821071 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Sudbury, ON, Canada Device: PRS-505, PB 902, PRS-T1, PB 623, PB 840, PB 633	I've read that taking out the battery and storing it in the freezer makes it last longer.