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iPod touch Is leaving my iPod Touch plugged in constantly ok?

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Paulyboy

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 26, 2007
361
17
I'm disabled and use an electric wheelchair to get around. I have an iPod Touch mounted to my armrest for easy access. I also have a car charging socket plugged directly into the wheelchair battery. I bought a Griffin PowerJolt SE Car Charger with Coiled Cable for iPod Touch that plugs directly into that socket. So basically wherever I go my iPod touch goes with me and it constantly has a source of power nearby.

So I was wondering if it's okay to just leave it plugged into that socket all the time except when I remove it from my wheelchair on occasion when a friend wants to use it or when I want to use it in bed to read (among other things) before I go to sleep?

If it is better to unplug it and let it run down sometimes I will if needed. I do need assistance unplugging it and plugging it back in but if that's what's better for it I will make sure I do that occasionally. Thanks in advance for any help.

-PN
 
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m1stake

macrumors 68000
Jan 17, 2008
1,518
3
Philly
It's much healthier for the battery if you let it run down. To put this into perspective, after owning an iPod Video for 3 years, I started using it as a reading light with it always plugged in. Four weeks later, it won't even turn on without being plugged into the WALL, and can't hold enough power to sync with iTunes through USB.

It seems like it will be a hassle for you because of your condition, but it's better for the battery.
 
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bndoarn

macrumors 6502a
Mar 16, 2008
921
0
m1stake said:
It's much healthier for the battery if you let it run down. To put this into perspective, after owning an iPod Video for 3 years, I started using it as a reading light with it always plugged in. Four weeks later, it won't even turn on without being plugged into the WALL, and can't hold enough power to sync with iTunes through USB.

It seems like it will be a hassle for you because of your condition, but it's better for the battery.
Click to expand...

agreed. also it can get too hot. one end of my usb cord has burn marks on it because it got so hot.
 
Beric

Beric

macrumors 68020
Jan 22, 2008
2,148
0
Bay Area
bndoarn said:
agreed. also it can get too hot. one end of my usb cord has burn marks on it because it got so hot.
Click to expand...

Yeah, USB really can get hot over time. :(

To the OP, try to charge up your Touch completely, and then drain the battery completely, and repeat. It'll really help with your battery life over time.
 
I

iMacmatician

macrumors 601
Jul 20, 2008
4,249
55
m1stake said:
It's much healthier for the battery if you let it run down. To put this into perspective, after owning an iPod Video for 3 years, I started using it as a reading light with it always plugged in. Four weeks later, it won't even turn on without being plugged into the WALL, and can't hold enough power to sync with iTunes through USB.

It seems like it will be a hassle for you because of your condition, but it's better for the battery.
Click to expand...
Beric said:
Yeah, USB really can get hot over time. :(

To the OP, try to charge up your Touch completely, and then drain the battery completely, and repeat. It'll really help with your battery life over time.
Click to expand...
Do these hold true with Mac notebook batteries as well?
 
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TataTata07

macrumors newbie
Aug 2, 2008
5
0
iMacmatician said:
Do these hold true with Mac notebook batteries as well?
Click to expand...

Of Course that is Lithium Technlogy in both the MacBook and iPhone. It applys to everything that uses it. I try my best to do at least once a month and since I have a spare battery I switch the battery every two weeks and when one of the batterys go into storage I charge the thing only up to 50%.
 
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jmranger

macrumors newbie
Sep 3, 2008
4
0
I'll have to disagree with the majority...

First question to ask is "what chemistry is used in the iPod Touch battery". Answer is easy to find: lithium-ion. Question therefore is "how do I baby a li-ion battery".

Why not ask apple ?
http://www.apple.com/batteries/

Or wikipedia ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion#Guidelines_for_prolonging_Li-ion_battery_life

This one is often quoted also:
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm

Even on macrumors...
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/380373/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/500355/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/527358/

So I disagree. Even more in your situation, where plugging and unplugging is cumbersome. But don't take my word for it. Read, and decide for yourself.

If I dare: don't worry, be happy. Best regards.
 
P

Paulyboy

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 26, 2007
361
17
Thanks for the advice everybody. I'll let it run down to 40% or so occasionally but will probably keep it plugged in most of the time.

-PN
 
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TL77

macrumors newbie
Dec 4, 2009
2
1
Apple says DON'T leave battery always on the charger

From Apple: "For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it’s important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her MacBook Pro on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing. If on the other hand, you use a desktop computer at work, and save a notebook for infrequent travel, Apple recommends charging and discharging its battery at least once per month. Need a reminder? Add an event to your desktop’s iCal."
 
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