Vent: My coffee shop workdays got way longer after I stopped using my laptop's battery

I used to pack up after about 2 hours because my laptop would die, which honestly made my focus pretty bad. I was always rushing and checking the battery icon. Then last month in Denver, a guy at the next table saw me scrambling for an outlet and told me to just keep my laptop plugged in from the moment I sit down, even if the battery is at 100%. He said constantly draining and recharging the battery wears it out faster. So I tried it. For the last 3 weeks, I've been plugging in immediately, and I'm suddenly pulling 4 to 5 hour deep work sessions without any battery anxiety. My laptop stays cool, and I'm not hunting for a seat near a wall anymore. It's a simple switch, but it totally changed my cafe routine. Has anyone else tried this, or do you have a different trick for staying powered up?

2 comments

2 Comments

troy_ross4d ago

Yeah that's a good point. I mean it's weird how a small tech habit can totally change your whole day. I've noticed I do the same thing with my phone, like I'll avoid using it while it charges even though it doesn't really matter.

blairwhite4d ago

Wait, doesn't using your phone while it charges actually slow down how fast it gets power? I'm pretty sure that's a real thing. It feels like the battery fills up slower when you're on it. Maybe that's why we all do it without even thinking. It's not just a weird habit, it's based on something real.