[CentOS] Battery condition tools CentOS/Dell

Kwan Lowe wrote:
> Hello all:
>    Does anyone know of a tool/project that will allow me to read the
> battery condition (not the charge status) on a Dell laptop battery?
> Under XP there is a utility that warns that the battery is still
> holding a charge but that the battery is degraded and should be
> replaced.
> 
> Also, not sure if this is possible, but I would like to control how
> the laptop charges the battery.  I tend to have the laptop plugged in
> most of the time and this constant charging state is apparently very
> bad for battery lifetime. So a charge/drain cycle is supposedly
> better.
> 
> Thanks,
> Kwan


Li-ion batteries should be charged "early and often". Deep discharging will shorten its lifetime as part of their normal usage cycle. I don't see how charging them to 100% is negative for the battery's lifetime as they do not have the memory effect. Li-ion batteries degrade as soon as they are produced, when they are not being used you should charge them to about 60% and store them somewhere cool, dry and without light. 


Glenn