| When it comes time to buy a new cell phone or | | | | perfect for high-end phones that require batteries |
| replace a depleted battery, you may realize just | | | | that are even thinner and lighter than Lithium-Ion |
| how confusing cell phone batteries can be. It's not | | | | batteries. |
| as easy as going to the store and picking up a | | | | How can I lengthen my standby and talk time? |
| package of AAA batteries and inserting them into | | | | You can take a few simple steps to lengthen the |
| the electronic device. | | | | life of your battery and make it work better |
| The selection of different battery types is much | | | | overall. Reducing your energy consumption is quite |
| more complicated in the world of cell phones, as | | | | easy to do, and will preserve your battery for a |
| each manufacturer uses a different battery for a | | | | longer period of time. |
| particular phone. Different batteries have a | | | | Some tips: |
| different weight, lifetime, talk time, and thickness. | | | | - Turn off the sound the keys make when you |
| Each factor affects the use of your cell phone, so | | | | press them - this should be easy to do if you |
| it's important to learn a little about cell batteries in | | | | search the phone's settings |
| general before you buy. | | | | - Ringtones use less energy, so avoid the vibrate |
| These are the main choices you will face when | | | | mode whenever possible to save power |
| shopping for a new cell phone battery: | | | | - Reduce the backlight timeout setting so that |
| NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) | | | | you spend even less energy when using backlight |
| Although this battery technology is almost | | | | to see your phone in the dark. Usually the light |
| obsolete, it is still out there, along with NiCad | | | | times out after two or three seconds, but this |
| batteries, but they are quickly being replaced by | | | | can be reduced even more |
| Li-Ion batteries. | | | | - Analog systems drain more battery power than |
| Some points: these batteries tend to cost less | | | | digital. If you have both a digital and analog phone, |
| than other types, but are prone to the "memory" | | | | turn your phone off when you move through an |
| effect, which means once in a while you have to | | | | analog area if you won't be using the phone. Digital |
| completely discharge them and then recharge to | | | | phones in general offer more features for power |
| reach optimal capacity again. | | | | management, just like on your computer. Analog |
| Over time, standby and talk time between each | | | | phones don't provide the same level of energy |
| charge permanently decreases. | | | | saving. A typical phone in digital mode may, for |
| Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) | | | | example, offer 100 to 200 hours of standby time, |
| Lithium-Ion batteries are now the most widely | | | | whereas in analog mode only 30 to 50 hours are |
| used cell phone batteries on the market. They are | | | | available. |
| also the most advanced and are set to replace | | | | Protecting your cell phone battery |
| NiMH and NiCad batteries completely within a few | | | | Remember that cell phones have more than just |
| years. | | | | a standby time and a talk time - they also have a |
| Key points: | | | | certain lifetime, after which they need to be |
| - Much lighter and slimmer than its predecessors | | | | replaced. The manufacturers call this a "charge |
| - Lasts longer for more convenience | | | | cycle." For instance, a battery may claim to have |
| - No problems with the memory effect | | | | "300 charge cycles." This means you may have |
| experienced with NiMH and NiCad batteries | | | | to replace the battery each year for optimal |
| - Cost more than other batteries; a typical Li-Ion | | | | efficiency. |
| battery can cost upwards of $59, while a | | | | Take care of your cell phone's battery, especially |
| standard NiMH battery with the same capacity | | | | by avoiding exposing it to extreme heat. Keep |
| usually costs about $20 less | | | | your cell away from heat sources such as the |
| Li-Polymer (Lithium Polymer) | | | | dash of your vehicle because this will negatively |
| This type of battery is not used very often, but | | | | effect the lifetime of the battery. |
| it is the most advanced of the bunch, which is | | | | |