Laptop battery question.

[BarbaRosa]

We've had this Acer Aspire 5100 for about a year and half. For the most part we keep it plugged in, rarely using it on battery. The other day I decided to take it outside to see if I could get my friend/neighbor/guitar player's, broadband connection(with his permission)( I did but a weak signal). The battery seemed to drain rather quickly, so I tried charging and timing it. The average is about one hour drain time.

Question: If I cycle the charge/uncharge a number of times will this improve the battery life, or is this about par for the course?

[BlueJazz]

1. Not using a Rechargeable Battery for a long time can result in Calcification.

It will last a little longer but it's life is shorten by your irresponsible actions.

[Grey]

2. Leaving it plugged in may be the problem.

I've been told you should charge the battery and then use it down till it needs recharging before plugging it in again.
Something about the batteries having a memory and learning to not take a full charge over time.
You can look in PC World forums, for more information.
I don't know about the charge/recharge cycle but my daughter says it will give you a bit more time but you probably will have to replace the battery.

[madokie]

3. I just want to correct something

nickel cadmium batteries are the only batteries that have the memory effect you speak of. If I'm wrong on this then someone please correct me, ok. :-)