Also, NiMH batteries do suffer from 'memory effect' ( although NiCad batteries were much more subject to this). This means that it's necessary to fully discharge the battery before charging it again. If you routinely recharge a NiMH battery after only partially discharging it, the battery will 'learn' that point and not have as much energy storage capacity. Li-Ion batteries are almost wholly immune to this and with a Li-Ion battery you can recharge any time you want without harming the battery. However, when a Li-Ion battery is new, you should always fully charge it before using it the first time, and it's good to let it fully discharge once or twice. This conditions the battery and gives it maximum energy storage capacity and maximum life.