How come my lithium batteries in my notebook died after 2 years with very moderate use? Are these batteries THAT bad?

http://firstloox.org/forums/showthread.php?p=43261

Q: How come my lithium batteries in my notebook died after 2 years with very moderate use? Are they THAT bad, in general? A: This is because of 1, lithium-based batteries don't particularly like high currents. A PDA has currents 500-600 mA's at max (maximal backlight, Wi-Fi actively communicating and/or microdrive is accessed), the typical current being around 100-150 mA; while notebooks/laptops (especially ones with desktop processors) may have currents 2-3 Ampers – that is, even an order of magnitude higher currents. Lithium rechargeable batteries die much faster in high-current environments. In this respect, PDA's are much more battery-friendly than most notebooks. 2, after 2-3 years, lithium-based batteries inevitable start to decline. This was also a factor in your battery dying - but dfinitely not as much as high currents. See the infamous Battery University guide on this question: "Aging is a concern with most lithium-ion batteries and many manufacturers remain silent about this issue. Some capacity deterioration is noticeable after one year, whether the battery is in use or not. The battery frequently fails after two or three years. It should be noted that other chemistries also have age-related degenerative effects. This is especially true for nickel-metal-hydride if exposed to high ambient temperatures. At the same time, lithium-ion packs are known to have served for five years in some applications. Manufacturers are constantly improving lithium-ion. New and enhanced chemical combinations are introduced every six months or so. With such rapid progress, it is difficult to assess how well the revised battery will age. Storage in a cool place slows the aging process of lithium-ion (and other chemistries). Manufacturers recommend storage temperatures of 15°C (59°F). In addition, the battery should be partially charged during storage. The manufacturer recommends a 40% charge."