DELL 1558 laptop usage...

I recently bought a new laptop. This is my first laptop;I was using desktop before.

My question is:
Is it ok to keep my Laptop constantly connected to power outlet even fully charged? OR
Do I run it on battery always and charge it when it required ? OR
Do I have to do some hybrid like connect to power source only when doing certain kind of work ?
Which of the above 3 options is the best way to increase my laptop battery life ?

I know that the laptop stops charging once it is fully charged, but is it smart to take power directly from AC mains bypassing the battery and not affect the battery life ?

I usually work for extended period of time on the laptop like 5-6 hrs.

My laptop details:
DELL Studio 1558
Intel Core i5 M450 2.4 GHz
4GB RAM
320 GB 7200 rpm HDD
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470
Windows 7 Professional

Usage:
1. Play games
2. Watch movies, videos
3. Do Development/programming work (I'm a software professional)
4. Planning to develop games (as a hobby)

 

1. The battery will deteriorate with time, regardless. After 3 years or so, you have to buy a new one.

2. Initially, you should "train" the battery a couple of times for it to charge properly. Out of the box, charge the battery fully, then unplug power cord, then use the laptop on battery untiḷ Windows tells you that the battery is almost out. Now, plug in power cord to recharge the battery again, in the same manner as the first time. It should be good like that, but I personally repeat the recharging routine once more two days later.

3. If you usually use your laptop on your desk, drawing power from AC main, then I suggest you remove the battery (after it has been initially trained and fully charged), put it aside in cool shade, and only snap it in when you are mobile.

I use a 1558 similar to yours (but with i7 QM). Your i5 M450 will stay longer on a 6-cell battery, perhaps up to 3.5 hours, or maybe longer, if you don't push both CPU and GPU too hard. So, no games and movies when you're on battery.

Good luck! One day, I might be playing one of your games.

 

Agree with Kaso. Continuous charge is injurious for battery health, it heat up also. As per your usage you can have like :

1. Play games : Plug in power for good performance.
2. Watch movies, videos : No plug in power required.
3. Do Development/programming work (I'm a software professional) : No plug in power required.
4. Planning to develop games (as a hobby) : No plug in power required.

 

Connecting your laptop permanently to AC power is better than charge recharge cycle.... just be sure that the ac supply unit in your laptop is working fine meaning that it doesnt heat the battery when on ac power .
This can be checked by charging your battery to 100 percent and than shutting down the laptop for 1 hour or so (to cool the newly charged battery) and than running the laptopon ac power for 2-3 hours (your normal usage). If it gets warm (normally in HP acer etc.) than stick to removing battery for ac use policy else enjoy your life in cables ....... in any case no matter how you use it it would be dead in its due course.... you can only increase the life by 4-6 months its normal use life... so no need to be that worried.....

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