subject: How to Increase a Laptop Battery's Life Span [print this page] How to Increase a Laptop Battery's Life Span
Laptop computers are convenient for working around the house. You can take them to your bedroom, den, living room or anywhere else without much effort. On the road, they are good for keeping on top of your work, checking your email or playing games. The only problem is that their batteries don't always last as long as you'll like them to. Here are ways to extend your Apple laptop battery's life span.
Maintain your laptop computer properly. Your laptop computer's battery works harder if your hard drive is fragmented. Defragment your hard drive regularly to reduce the stress on your computer and battery. Faster laptops use fewer resources.
Close programs you are not using. The more programs you have running, the more power your laptop requires to process the programs. Close your email program when you're working on your spreadsheet application. Shut down Wi-Fi when you don't need it.
Power down your laptop computer when it's not in use and adjust it to use less power when in use. Go to "Start," "Control Panel," Performance and Maintenance" and "Power Options." Set your screen to go off after a certain period of inactivity. Adjust other LCD settings accordingly.
Don't use DVD or CD drives unless necessary. They consume huge amounts of power and place strain on your battery when in use. Run off your hard drive instead.
Clean your battery contacts regularly. Cleaning your Acer laptop batteries contacts ensure they receive the right amount of power during charges. To clean your battery's contact, use a clean cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol. Also use your battery frequently once it is charged. Don't leave it dormant for long periods.
Do your research. Find out the estimated lifespan of the Compaq laptop's batteries before you buy. Buy the most efficient laptop you can afford. They may be more expensive, but they will pay off in longevity.
Watch your environment. Extreme weather conditions like heat affect the lifespan of your laptop's battery. While working, don't place your laptop on your lap or on a pillow without a cooling pad. This blocks your heating vent and prevents air from circulating freely. Hotter batteries die quicker than batteries used in well-ventilated areas.
