How and when to charge your tablet battery

First charge: When you first unbox your tablet, you should approach the first charge differently, depending upon the type of battery the tablet has:
Lead acid: The battery should be fully charge. Apply a top-off charge before using.
Nickel-based: Charge the battery 14-16 hours before the first use.
Lithium Ion: Apply a top-off charge before the first use.
Full vs. partial charge: Some batteries actually do poorly if you only give it a partial charge.
Lead acid: You must always give this battery a full charge, as a partial charge can create sulfation.
Nickel-base: A partial charge is good.
Lithium Ion: A partial charge is actually better than full charge.
Full discharge: There are types of batteries that actually prefer a complete discharge now and then.
Lead acid: A deep discharge can damage the battery.
Nickel-base: Apply scheduled discharges only to prevent the battery from retaining memory.
Lithium Ion: A deep discharge can damage the battery.
Battery calibration: Some batteries do not need calibration. Here are the details:
Lead acid: Not applicable.
Nickel-base: Apply a discharge/charge when the fuel gauge becomes inaccurate. Repeat every 1-3 months.
Lithium Ion: Apply a discharge/charge when the fuel gauge becomes inaccurate. Repeat every 1-3 months.
Use while charging: Is it okay to have your device on while charging it?
Lead acid: It's okay to have device on when charging.
Nickel-base: It's always best to turn the device off during a charge, since a parasitic load can either alter full-charge detection, overcharge the battery, and/or cause mini-cycles.
Lithium Ion: It's always best to turn the device off during a charge, since a parasitic load can either alter full-charge detection, overcharge the battery, and/or cause mini-cycles.
Unplugging when charged: Is it necessary to unplug your device once the charge is complete?
Lead acid: This depends on the charger. If the charger has correct float voltage, then it's fine.
Nickel-base: Always remove your device after a few days in the charger.
Lithium Ion: This is unnecessary, because the charger turns off.
Temperature: How does temperature effect charging?
Lead acid: It creates a slow charge from 32-113 degrees Fahrenheit / fast charge from 41-113 degrees Fahrenheit / the threshold is lowered above 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nickel-base: It creates a slow charge from 32-113 degrees Fahrenheit / fast charge from 41-113 degrees Fahrenheit / the battery will not fully charge when it's hot.
Lithium Ion: Do not charge below freezing. Do not charge when above 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Of course, this doesn't take into consideration the effects of various types of software or networks (such as 4G, which will quickly drain a battery). Ultimately, if you use your battery with intelligence, it will reward you with a long life.