# cordless phone batteries: no memory?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cordless-phone-batteries-no-memory/65635>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 16, 2001, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cordless-phone-batteries-no-memory/65635 "2001-05-16T18:44:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![vanilla\_rice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vanilla\_rice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanilla_rice)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2001, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cordless-phone-batteries-no-memory/65635/1 "2001-05-16T18:44:04Z")

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i just got a cordless phone and the manual did not mention anything about waiting for the handset to beep ‘low bat’ before recharging. is that no longer needed these days? it’s a GE 900mhz with a Ni-Cd battery.

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**Author:** ![Crusoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/49beb7/32.png) [@Crusoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crusoe)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2001, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cordless-phone-batteries-no-memory/65635/2 "2001-05-16T19:04:48Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> **NiCd (Nickel Cadmium)** - Most commonly found in older cellular phones. NiCd batteries develop a “memory” that can affect the amount of time the battery will power the phone. If NiCd batteries are not completely discharged every time, they will not fully charge prohibiting you from taking full advantage of the battery’s “life”. It is best to have two of these batteries so you may fully drain and recharge one while still using the other. NiCd batteries are the heaviest and thickest of all batteries and are available in standard and extended life.
> 
> **NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)** - A longer lasting battery that is not prone to developing a “memory” so they may be charged at any time. They should not be overcharged, as high heat can ruin the cells within the battery, so remember to charge these batteries for no longer than the manufacturer recommends. NiMH batteries should be the choice of customers who want longer life and more charging flexibility.
> 
> **LiIon (Lithium Ion)** - A “state of the art” battery that is smaller, lighter and totally unaffected by charging habits. LiIon batteries offer unsurpassed talk time, but for a price as the cells used in making these batteries are expensive and in very high demand. LiIon batteries are ideal for customers who want the least weight and the longest possible talk/standby time from a battery.

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**Author:** ![Crusoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/49beb7/32.png) [@Crusoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crusoe)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2001, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cordless-phone-batteries-no-memory/65635/3 "2001-05-16T19:07:00Z")

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Sorry, that was from a generic mobile phone store’s site. In my experience (using a NiCd battery), yes, you will suffer from battery memory. I usually wait until one ‘notch’ before recharging.

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**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2001, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cordless-phone-batteries-no-memory/65635/4 "2001-05-16T22:03:13Z")

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Some additional info from some guy named [Cecil](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/990312.html).