Learn how to maximize battery performance

What do the iPod, Sony PlayStation Portable and Motorola RAZR cell phone have in common? Sure, they're ultracool gadgets. But they, and similar gadgets, also rely on rechargeable batteries.
While batteries probably don't rank high on most people's list of hot high-tech topics, PSP screens would go dark, RAZR calls wouldn't be connected and you wouldn't be able to listen to any iPod tunes without them.

Today's most popular battery choice is the lithium-ion variety. Other types you may see are lithium-polymer (Li-Poly and very similar to lithium-ion) nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).

Here, some battery tips:

•Consider battery conditioning.

Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries typically arrive in a partially charged state. Most manufacturers will tell you to completely charge them before use. Otherwise, they don't need to be conditioned.

Nickel-based batteries require conditioning, which means they must be completely charged and discharged several times before initial use. Otherwise, they won't function to their full potential. Check the manual that came with your device to find out more about conditioning.

•Charge batteries properly.

Batteries can be troublesome. They lose capacity over time. Further, they have a limited number of charge cycles.

You can prolong their lifespan. Failing to properly condition nickel-based batteries could lead to the formation of crystals, which can lead to batteries that won't hold a full charge, which can lead to memory problems in your ultracool gadget.

With lithium-ion batteries, partial charges and discharges are best on a regular basis. These batteries do not develop memory problems.

However, lithium-ion batteries contain a fuel gauge that must be reset periodically. The fuel gauge measures the charge left in a battery. A gauge that is not reset periodically might become inaccurate. This can be critical in laptop power managements systems that rely on the gauge to tell you how much juice is left before the computer shuts off. If the gauge is off, your laptop might shut down unexpectedly, and you'll lose your work. To prevent this from happening, completely discharge lithium-ion batteries about once a month to reset the gauge.

Fuel gauges should not be a problem with nickel-based batteries, assuming they are discharged and charged regularly.

•Store batteries correctly.

It's best to use your batteries regularly. But sometimes you have to store them, and storage can pose problems.

Don't store batteries completely discharged. A 50% charge is optimum for storage.

Also, recondition nickel-based batteries if you have stored them for six months or longer to help regain lost capacity. Charge lithium-type batteries when you're ready to use them after storage.

•Batteries don't last forever.

It's a fact of life. No matter how well you care for a battery, it will eventually die.

You'll have many options when you buy a replacement battery. Third-party replacements are available online. Prices are often a fraction of manufacturers' prices. Sellers might also boast improved performance.

Fight your frugal urges. Manufacturers test their batteries to ensure a good fit. They also test the batteries rigorously for safety. If something goes wrong — such as a short circuit — with a third-party replacement, chances are you've voided your gadget's warranty.

Dispose of your batteries correctly since they contain hazardous chemicals not suitable for landfills. Many electronics retailers have in-store collection points. To find a drop-off location near you, visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation home page at www.rbrc.org.

•Last, but not least: Batteries are on the cusp of a new age.

Toshiba recently announced a rapid-charge battery. This lithium-ion model achieves 80% of its charge in one minute. It's fully charged in a few more minutes.

What's more, the battery is small, less susceptible to extreme temperatures and boasts a longer lifespan. It will debut in 2006, primarily for automotive purposes. Expect adaptations for personal technology use.

Fuel cell batteries also are on the way for electronics. Fuel cell batteries aren't recharged — they're refilled with a chemical such as methanol.

This means instantaneous power. The chemical reacts with air to produce power. Fuel cells have roughly 50 times the power potential of comparably sized lithium-ion batteries.