Notebook Batteries explanation?

Snickers Man

Hi,

Does anybody know any site on the Web where I could get a good explanation on how notebook batteries work?

I don't mean a detailed chemical description of how Lithium Ion batteries differ from Nickel Cadmium. I mean a 'How should I treat my batteries so that they don't die on me prematurely?' type piece.

I only ask because the battery in my old pre-Centrino vintage Compaq notebook died a few weeks ago and wouldn't recharge. It just meant I had to run my notebook off of mains power. A pain in the ass but not fatal.

Then last night, I suddenly found that the battery had come back to life. Is this a miracle, or is there a perfectly valid explanation? And what was I doing wrong, or right?

I've tried to Google for an explanation. I found quite a good one for Power Tool Batteries but it doesn't seem to be too applicable for notebooks.

Anyone know of a better source for explanation of this topic?

I'd be grateful.