Ask HN: What's the best way to charge/discharge a laptop battery?

Different people tell you different things, I want to hear your opinions. What's the best pattern for charging/use/charging cycles for a laptop battery to ensure maximum life as well as maximum usage between charges? Charge till full, use till empty, charge till full again? Charge till full, use till "x" % remaining, charge till full again? Charge till "y" % full, use till empty or "x"% empty, repeat? Suggestions, all of them given with rather convincing authority, are all over the place.