[grandcider]

Any time I buy an electronic device, whether it's a laptop, camera, pda, electric toothbrush, the sales person always tells me
to charge it for 10 hours the first time. Where does this magic number come from? When I read the manual, it often mentions
a shorter length of time--like 3 hours-- or doesn't say anything in particular about charging for any length of time before initial use.
What am I supposed to believe?

[jayinhongkong]

most people do recommend to charge the battery as long as possible the first time u use it, and to discharge it and recharge completely every time after. this apparently prevents the memory effect. i've heard this in the US too.

[PettsWood]

A long charge BEFORE you ever use a rechargable battery is meant to give it a better life in the long run. I forgot what the reason is but it is supposed to prolong its use after each charge.

This may be a practice left from the old days and new rechargeable batteries are using different technology all the time. The prolonged charge may not be necessary now but I am still doing it because it is no harm to do so and may still hold the truth.

Hope it makes sense.

[freeier]

suspect its more for the older rec batteries. these days the lithium ions don't really have memory effect...

even as u try to charge it 10 hours, the electronics in the system wld stop the charging once the battery is full...

[discobay]

The first charge should be long but I always go by the manual. The manufacturer should know best. The sales staff don't always have the time to read every manual and often quote a high number with regards to charging hours - bless them!