What is the difference between NiCad Batteries, NiMH Batteries and Lithium Ion batteries?
Rechargeable batteries for laptops, camcorders and cell phones typically are made using either Nickel Cadmium batteries (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride batteries (NiMH) or Lithium Ion Batteries (Li-Ion) battery cell chemistry. Each type has its own unique characteristics:

NiCad Batteries and NiMH Batteries:
The NiMH battery utilizes newer technology and offers almost twice the capacity than NiCads battery, which means increased run-time with no additional bulk or weight. NiMH batteries are less prone to develop the memory effect that NiCad batteries do, thus requiring less maintenance and conditioning. NiMH batteries are also environmentally friendlier, since they do not contain heavy metals. Note: Not all devices can accept both NiCad batteries and NiMH batteries.

Lithium Ion Batteries
Lithium-Ion Batteries (Li-Ion) has become the new standard for portable power in consumer devices. Li-Ion batteries produce the same energy as NiMH battery but weigh up to 35 percent less, a definite plus for devices in which the battery is a large part of the total weight. Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect and are environmentally friendly because they don't contain toxic materials such as Cadmium or Mercury.

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Is it Possible to Upgrade the Device's Battery to a newer Chemistry?
NiCad Batteries, NiMH Batteries and Li-Ion Batteries are all fundamentally different and cannot be substituted unless the device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one type of battery chemistry. Refer to your manual to find out which rechargeable battery types the device supports.

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My new battery isn't charging. Is it defective?
New batteries come in a discharged condition. Fully charge and discharge the new battery two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity. During an initial charge, plan on 12 hours, although the device may indicate that charging is complete after just 15 minutes. New batteries are hard for the device to charge because they are not broken in. Sometimes the charger will stop charging a new battery before it is fully charged. If this happens, remove the battery from the device and then reinsert it. The charge cycle should begin again. It is not unusual for this to happen several times during the first battery charge. It is also normal for the batteries to be warm to the touch.

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How can I maximize the performance of my battery?
Prevent the Memory Effect - Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries, which do not suffer from the memory effect.
Keep the Batteries Clean - Clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the portable device.

Exercise the Battery - Do not leave the battery dormant for more than a few weeks. If left dormant for longer, perform the new battery break-in procedure described above.

Battery Storage – For long-term storage, keep batteries in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad batteries, NiMH batteries and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to recharge the batteries before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months.

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What is a "smart" battery and “dumb” battery?
Smart batteries have internal circuit boards with smart chips which allow them to communicate with the notebook and monitor battery performance, output voltage and temperature. Smart batteries will run 15% longer due to their increased efficiency and also alert the computer on how much battery running time is left.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Battery Use:

Do's:

-Fully charge/discharge battery up to four cycles before achieving full capacity of a new battery.

-Fully discharge and then fully charge the battery every two to three weeks for battery conditions.

-Run the device under the battery's power until it shuts down or gives a low battery warning. Then recharge the battery as instructed in the user's manual.

-Remove from the device and store in a cool, dry, clean place if the battery will not be in use for a month or longer.

-Recharge the battery after a storage period

-Ensure maximum performance of the battery by optimizing the device's power management features. Refer to the manual for further instructions.

Don’ts:

-Short-circuit, which may cause severe damage to the battery.

-Drop, hit or abuse the battery as this may result in the exposure of the corrosive cell contents.

-Expose the battery to moisture or rain.

-Expose the battery to fire or other sources of extreme heat or attempt to incinerate. This may result in an explosion.