subject: Cell Batteries [print this page] Cell Batteries Cell Batteries
Nowadays, the mobile phones play an important role in the lives of people from all walks of life. Cell phones have transformed the way people communicate and is has also advanced the current technology. Phone manufacturers have come up with new innovations that not only allow users to make calls and send short messages, but also have access to features such as internet connectivity, music and video players, camera, Bluetooth connectivity, GPRS and EDGE among others. However, cell phone users cannot enjoy these benefits without the use of cell batteries. Though most users do not put much thought into the type of batteries they buy, to maximize the use of the latest phones, they need to know more about mobile phone batteries.
One thing to consider before buying a mobile phone battery is its manufacturer. What separates mobile phones from other electronic devices such as CD players or digital camera is that they can only operate using the manufacturer's battery. With the variety of batteries available in the market today, knowing the cell phone model will be crucial if users want to buy the correct battery. Prior to buying the batteries, keep in mind that different mobile phone models come in different sizes, weight and shape. Even if the two mobile phone models are from the same manufacturer, they cannot use the same battery.
Before the new batteries were first introduced, previous mobile phones used NiCad (Nickel cadmium) cell batteries that were cheap and more affordable. One draw back of these batteries was that they were heavy and had a memory effect that prevented them from being fully charged. Phone users had to fully discharge the phone's battery and then charge afresh. Afterwards, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) phone batteries were introduced. These batteries were much more efficient than NiCad batteries though they were also prone to develop the 'memory effect' and users had to discharge and recharge it after a number of cycles.
With the current improved technology, new efficient batteries were introduced. One such type is the Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries, which weigh much less compared to NiCad and NiMH making them preferred in mobile phones. Those using these batteries do not have to discharge them before recharging them again. Another type of battery introduced recently is the Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly) batteries. Though these batteries cost more, they have a longer lifecycle compared to other types of batteries. Regardless of the type of the battery used, mobile phone users need to take good care of them, if they want to benefit more from these batteries.
Most mobile phones have features that allow users to adjust some of the phone settings in order to extend the life of the cell batteries. For instance, features such as Bluetooth and music players can be switched off when they are not being used. The phone's screen brightness can also drain the phone's battery so to prolong the phone's battery life, change the phone's brightness settings. Another way of enabling the battery last long is not to overcharge it as this may cause it to overheat and be damaged. If properly taken care of, the battery will last long and allow users to maximize the use of their mobile phones.
