Do you know much about batteries? Do you care?
Before I address my own question, it just occurred to me how accurate it is to call what they do to you in hospitals "a battery of tests." Appropos, considering the root word of battery is "batter."
But seriously, about batteries. The entire subject bores me to tears, and I learn just enough to keep my devices powered.
Recently I did a bit of research because I bought rechargeable batteries that cost $25 and I want to treat them with gentleness and respect.
Nearly 20 years ago now, a friend told me it was important to let my phone battery drain completely to zero ... bats?... now and then. He seemed to know whereof he spoke, so I did drain the battery completely on occasion.
Wondering if that was still true or ever had been true, I read up on it.
It may have been true in the electronic Dark Ages, but no more.
In fact, I learned, modern batteries and the devices they power have built-in protection AGAINST total battery impotence, because to drain current batteries (😊) is to destroy them. I don't know if they erupt in mushroom clouds or just whimper and die.
In other words, when your car breaks down in the wilderness and you try to call for help only to learn the battery in your cell is dead, it isn't actually dead. It's playing possum. It COULD make that call for you, but won't because it's protecting the battery. Don't bother screaming into your phone, "Call the tow truck! I'll buy another phone!"
I just thought I'd add another layer to your frustration.
But seriously, about batteries. The entire subject bores me to tears, and I learn just enough to keep my devices powered.
Recently I did a bit of research because I bought rechargeable batteries that cost $25 and I want to treat them with gentleness and respect.
Nearly 20 years ago now, a friend told me it was important to let my phone battery drain completely to zero ... bats?... now and then. He seemed to know whereof he spoke, so I did drain the battery completely on occasion.
Wondering if that was still true or ever had been true, I read up on it.
It may have been true in the electronic Dark Ages, but no more.
In fact, I learned, modern batteries and the devices they power have built-in protection AGAINST total battery impotence, because to drain current batteries (😊) is to destroy them. I don't know if they erupt in mushroom clouds or just whimper and die.
In other words, when your car breaks down in the wilderness and you try to call for help only to learn the battery in your cell is dead, it isn't actually dead. It's playing possum. It COULD make that call for you, but won't because it's protecting the battery. Don't bother screaming into your phone, "Call the tow truck! I'll buy another phone!"
I just thought I'd add another layer to your frustration.
