How can I ensure a longer life for uninstalled batteries?

Question

I picked up a few HP TouchPads for me and the family over the weekend, but I want to be prepared for the future. I would like to buy a couple of batteries now so that I can replace them myself when they inevitably fail in a few years.

1. How can I make sure those batteries stay viable when they aren't being used?
2. Is this even possible?
3. Should I just wait until a year or so when they look like they are going out and hope that I can still buy a replacement?

Answer 1

HP Touchpads use a liquid polymer battery. They can be stored, follow these instructions for best life.

Answer 2

In general, leave the battery at least partly charged, wrap it in air-tight plastic, and store it in a refrigerator. This is reasonably good for most battery types.

(Partially) recharge the battery every 6/12 months.

The old nicads preferred to be stored discharged, though.

Storing in a freezer is good for some types but may damage others.

(When buying replacement batteries make sure you're getting new/new stock, not new/old stock that has been sitting on a (hot) warehouse shelf for years. Often it's better to buy a 3rd-party brand than to buy the OEM version for this reason.)