really necessary for initial 4 hour charge?

[red-i]

just curious becuase my axim's power light went green after 2 hours of initial charge so I started using it. Battery life seems good, though once it gets down to around 90% it seems to drain more quickly.

[Briank]

I cheated, I pluged mine in with the cord and then used it for the night plugged in. Everything seems to be working just fine. From what I know about Li-ion the inital charge is important but they do charge if the device is on (Just slower) so I figured I would be okay.

[Former_HPB]

I did the same thing as BrianK.

[Fox]

I dont understand why the initial 4 hour charge, being the battery a lithium-ion one. Older batteries needed an initial charge cause they suffered from something called "memory". New lithium ion ones do not suffer from this and AFAIK they dont need the initial charge to hold the charge correctly. Anyway if im not correct, and you didnt charge ur axim for 4 hours initially, just use your device until it doesnt turn on anymore (in other words drain ur battery) and make the 4 hour charge. It has the same effect as the initial charge (at least that was on older batteries).

[Barleypro]

I also started using my Axim attached to the charger before the 4 hour charge. I have had mine for a month now and do not notice any problems with the battery.

[JakeRich]

From Ultralife Batteries FAQs:

Lithium ion and polymer charging recommendations

Question
I am trying to get the correct information regarding the use of my battery in mobile phones and computers. At the store, when we buy a new phone, they suggest to fully charge the lithium-ion/Polymer battery for at least 24 hours, then discharge completely until the device powers off itself, and than repeat this operation two more times. In an article I've read, they mention that the lithium battery life would be affected if discharging completely before charging.

So, what is the best way to keep my lithium-ion/Polymer battery in the best condition so it provides good performance and lasts long?

Answer
We recommend fully charging your battery before using it the first time. 24 hours is not necessary, as your charger and battery circuitry will automatically stop charging the battery when it's fully charged, generally in 3 to 6 hours. Unlike nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries, li-ion and polymer rechargeable batteries have no memory effect, therefore, it is not necessary to fully discharge your battery before recharging. Actually, li-ion and polymer batteries will generally last longer (more charge/discharge cycles) if you do not completely discharge them before recharging.

[fade2black]

Originally posted by red-i@Jan 8 2003, 09:53 AM
just curious becuase my axim's power light went green after 2 hours of initial charge so I started using it. Battery life seems good, though once it gets down to around 90% it seems to drain more quickly.

After the battery charges to a certain percentage the light will turn green.

Fade

[Osiris]

I'll probably let mine charge for an hour, and then use it while it's in the cradle still charging.

[FSC Nitro]

I plugged in the power cord and started using it within 15 mins, I just couldn't wait!
(it hasn't hurt it from what I can tell)