TShoots: How to Optimize the Notebook's Battrey Life?

Optimize the Performance of your Notebook Battery

Well, now that you've got a notebook/laptop, you might want to make sure you use it safely, and only for the needs that a laptops are meant to be used for. Here are some general guidelines for improving the performance of your notebook's battery .

• It is not uncommon for a notebook battery to last less than an hour or over two hours. The approximate battery life for a NiMH battery is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours and for a lithium ion (Li ion) battery between 2.0 and 3.0 hours. So don't worry if it doesn't last for more time than that.
  
  


• Do NOT plug the AC adapter when the laptop/notebook is not in use. Simply plug the AC adapter off.
  
  


• To optimize the battery life and improve its performance, fully discharge and recharge the battery at least once in every 60 days.
  
  


• With out the AC power the Notebook will work with the battery and the maximum time for battery is 2 to 2 1/2 hrs. You can use the Notebook continiously without of shutdown for 5 - 6 hrs. A shutdown is required after this.
  
  


• If you have to replace the battery, Always follow the vendor's recommendation. Do not experiment with your battery.
  
  


• To optimize the battery life, always use lower than full screen resolution on your notebook. High resolutions call for high power, which inturn, adversly affect the life of your battery.
  
  


• Do NOT overcharge the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect it from the AC adapter. This will prevent overheating.
  
  


• Windows Vista comes with a default power meter gadget. If you're running windows XP/XP Professional or XP home edition, you can download and install the Power Meter Gadget after downloading and installing Google Desktop from
  


• If you have bluetooth or infrared on your notebook, turn it off at times when you don't need it. Both IR ad Bluetooth consume lots of energy, generally affecting the overall lifetime of your notebook's battery.
  
  


• With Windows Vista, always set the power management options from the control panel.



• If you're not going to be using your notebook for 2 weeks or over 2 weeks, you need to
  1. Remove the AC adapter.
  2. Remove the battery pack
  3. Seperately store the battery in a cool, dry place.

Maximum capacity of a given battery will decrease with time or use. Loss of battery capacity will depend on the product configuration and useage, including, but not limited to the product model, applications running and power management options selected.