subject: How to maximaze your notebook battery? [print this page] How to maximaze your notebook battery? How to maximaze your notebook battery?
Laptop or notebook computers depend on their batteries for power. Notebook batteries can last from 2-8 hours on a full charge, depending on the capacity and age of the battery.
Notebook batteries are like people--eventually and inevitably, they die. And like people, they don't obey Moore's Law--You can't expect next year's batteries to last twice as long as this year's. Battery technology may improve a bit over time (after all, there's plenty of financial incentive for better batteries), but, while interesting possibilities may pop up, don't expect major battery breakthroughs in the near future.
Although your battery will eventually die, proper care can put off the inevitable. Here's how to keep your notbook battery working for as long as possible. With luck, it could last until you need to replace that aging notebook.
I've also included a few tips on maximazing your notebook battery and keeping the battery going longer between charges, so you can work longer without AC power.
Keep notbook battery Cool
Heat breaks down the battery, and reduces its overall life.
When you use your laptop, make sure the vents are unblocked. Never work with the laptop on pillows or cushions. If possible, put it on a raised stand that allows for plenty of airflow.
Also, clean the vents every so often with a can of compressed air. You can buy this for a few dollars at any computer store. Be sure to follow the directions on the can, and do this only when the notebook is off.
Give notbook battery a Rest
If you're going to be working exclusively on AC power for a week or more, remove the battery first.
You don't want it too empty when you take it out. An unused battery loses power over time, and you don't want all the power to drain away, so remove it when it's at least half-charged.
Never remove the battery while the computer is on, or even in standby or sleep mode; doing so will crash your system and possibly damage your hardware. Even inserting a battery into a running laptop can damage the system. So only remove or reinsert the battery when the laptop is completely off or hibernating.
If you've never removed your laptop's battery and don't know how, check your documentation. (If you don't have it, you can probably find it online.) The instructions generally involve turning the laptop upside-down and holding down a button while you slide out the battery.
Dim your screen
Most notebooks come with the ability to dim your laptop screen. Some even come with ways to modify CPU and cooling performance. Cut them down to the lowest level you can tolerate to squeeze out some extra battery juice.
Cut down external devices
USB devices (including your mouse) & WiFi drain down your notebook battery. Remove or shut them down when not in use. It goes without saying that charging other devices (like your iPod) with your notebook when on battery is a surefire way of quickly wiping out the charge on your notebook battery.
Keep the battery contacts clean
Clean your battery's metal contacts every couple of months with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol. This keeps the transfer of power from your battery more efficient.
Prevent the Memory Effect
If you're using a very old laptop, you'll want to prevent the 'memory effect' - Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries (which most laptops have) which do not suffer from the memory effect.
