I suppose this also applies to the Deck and anything running on a battery really. Is there any change in total playtime depending on when a backup battery is connected?

There’s a few different ways one could use a backup battery. Two examples:

  • Let the Frame battery go down while playing, and when it’s near empty connect the backup and let the Frame charge back up while playing. Then once the backup battery is dead, disconnect it and let the Frame run down again.

  • Have the backup connected at the beginning, let it drain while playing, then disconnect and let the Frame run down.

Is there any difference, or is it just power in & power out, no matter the order it’s done? Also does either put more wear on the Frame’s battery?

  • MentalEdge@sopuli.xyz
    8·
    16 hours ago

    Option 1 would results in less playtime.

    Every time you move power from one place to another, you incur a loss. Charging the frame from the battery bank, is not as efficient as using that power directly in the first place to run the frame.

    A charge cycle is also the main source of wear for a battery cell, so option 1 would also be the one that is worse for the frame battery.

  • KickMeElmo@sopuli.xyz
    11·
    22 hours ago

    Theoretically there should be no notable difference in play time. That said, adding an extra charge cycle for no reason isn’t a great idea, so I’d recommend plugging in at the start.

  • IchNichtenLichten@lemmy.wtfEnglish
    2·
    17 hours ago

    I’m not sure there’s a whole lot of difference. After spending a little time with my frame I’m just viewing it as featuring hot swappable batteries that Valve didn’t bother to include. The internal one really isn’t good for much unless you like watching battery indicators rapidly decrease.