I have just bought a new laptop, and based on previous experience, I was wondering if I should keep the battery out of the computer as I leave it plugged in all the time. Will this stop the battery from dying, or am I being silly?
Keep your battery in! That way, it will recharge when it falls below about 90%; and more importantly your laptop will keep working if you have a sudden power failure (also you won't lose the battery!) When it is useful to take the battery out is if you're not using the laptop, and leaving it unplugged for several weeks (ie if you go on holiday); my experience is that the battery loses more power left in an unplugged laptop than when left out.
well.. I have always kept mine in and now i am lucky if i can get 5 minutes out of it. But sylvday makes some good points, looks like you're in for a balancing act =)