subject: How To Make Laptop Battery Last Longer [print this page] A lot of people nowadays prefer to be in a mobile computing setup. Simply because communicating in such environment is easier and more convenient especially for busy people. For this reason, a lot of mobile computing devices have been introduced in the market. And laptop or also known as notebook computer is one of these creations.
Though there are a lot of benefits of laptop to people, there are also some limitations. Like any other laptop, the DELL laptop computers cannot run continuously without the support of a battery. Different laptop models have different laptop batteries. Just like the 7200mah 9-cell battery, 6 cell batteries and other types. Laptop batteries on the other hand provide power in a certain amount of time. That's why it also needs laptop battery adapters. There are several types of laptop adapters for different laptop models including PA-12 adapters, PA-3E adapters and many more.
But laptop owners nowadays are looking for ways to improve the performance of their laptop batteries. According to DELL, one of the leading manufacturers to develop mobile computing device, there are several things you can do to make your battery last longer. This includes the following:
Choose the right battery. Under the same use conditions, a lower capacity battery will wear out faster than a higher capacity battery because it has to be charged more often.
Use the notebook's power saving controls to reduce battery use in your normal day. For example, turn the Bluetooth off if it is not needed; reduce the screen brightness when conditions permit.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If the system is exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures, allow it to warm up/cool down before use and before charging.
Contrary to last decades' batteries, modern lithium ion batteries do not need to be fully discharged to maintain health.
All batteries wear with use and time. When you find the runtime is no longer satisfactory, it may be time to purchase a new Dell battery.
If you are not going to use the laptop for several days, take the battery out of the computer.
Keep the laptop and the battery in a comfortable temperature. Exposure to high heat or extreme cold can damage the battery; not to mention the laptop.
Once a month, allow the battery to drain completely. Make sure you have saved all your work and leave no programs open while draining the battery.
Change the Windows Power Options. You can change the settings of the Power Options in the Control Panel so the hard drive and screen turn off after a few minutes of non-use.
Copy CD or DVD information to the hard drive the laptop uses less power if you run such programs from the hard drive rather than use the CD/DVD optical drive.
Change usage. The next thing that drains a battery is the bells and whistles a piece of equipment may have. For instance, cell phones will last much longer on a "ring" setting versus a vibrate setting. The vibrate setting takes significantly more battery power to accomplish. Extrapolate this same idea to things like flashes on your camera. Only use the flash when you must. On your video camera avoid additional uses like "playback" until you can get to an outlet and use the electricity from the wall.
Store Betties next to the ice cream an old wives' tale that works! Alkaline batteries will last 5 percent longer by placing them in the freezer. But they must be warmed up before use to room temperature. It may be more effective to freeze NiMH and Nicad batteries often used for things like electronics or cameras. These batteries only keep their charge for a few days when resting at room temperature. But if you store them in the freezer they will retain 90 percent of their power.
