This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br
Depending upon the model, a notebook battery usually lasts from 1 to 8 hours. However, with efficient battery usage, an hour or two of battery power can significantly be increased. You can save battery power by using the built-in battery saving modes and by following good notebook battery-saving practices.
Built-in battery-saving modes are Stand By and Hibernate. In the Stand By mode, open applications are stored in the RAM, the hard disks power down, the monitor switches off, but the processor goes on running. When you again perform some activity of the mouse or the keyboard, then the hard disk powers up, the monitor switches on, and the data from the RAM is activated, restoring your notebook exactly the way you left it.
The Hibernation mode is used when the notebook is left unattended for a long time. The open applications are stored on the hard disk, which subsequently powers down, the monitor turns off, and the processor turns off going in for hibernation. On soft rebooting like a restart or wake up on LAN, the processor turns on, the laptop wakes up, and the same exact settings are restored. Both these modes should be used to conserve battery power. You can preset your preferences in the settings of your notebook, so that in case you doze off, or leave the device for a coffee or a snack, the notebook automatically goes into any one of these power saving modes.
Following battery-saving practices can also save notebook battery power. You should always adjust the monitor controls to suit the room lighting conditions. Dimming the contrast and brightness saves battery power besides providing relief to your eyes. Auto-save and auto-update features of applications start in the background without your knowledge and these should be disabled. External devices consume a lot of battery power, hence the usage of external mice, monitors, keyboards, optical drives, videocam, digital cameras, or any other device connected to the PC Card slot, VGA/ FireWire/ USB port should be avoided.
Increase the RAM memory, if an extra slot is available, as this puts fewer burdens on the hard disk, which consumes a lot of battery power. Avoid multimedia games while you are running your notebook on battery power. Similarly, avoid music or movies. Copy the CD/DVD on the hard disk and play it from there, instead of the optical drive. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth. Built-in wireless cards should also be disabled. Decrease or set to mute the notebook speaker volume. Turn off all preprogrammed scheduled tasks. All unused open applications should be closed. The general guideline is that when your notebook is on battery power, you should perform only such operations, which are the need of the hour. Rest of the applications can be performed, when your notebook is connected to the mains.
Keeping good care of the battery also prolongs its life. To maximize performance of nickel-metal hydride batteries, they have to be completely drained off before they are recharged. However, lithium-ion batteries do not need cycling/ conditioning, and they do not suffer from memory effects. Hence, they need not be fully drained off before recharging. When the notebook is not in use for an extended period, the battery pack should be removed to avoid battery leakage. Before removing the battery pack, you should charge it fully and then remove it, as all kinds of batteries should always be stored in a fully charged state. Do not store your battery pack along with metal parts, as this will short-circuit your battery.
Utilizing the built-in battery saving options and other means, you can significantly add one to three hours more in the total capacity of your notebook battery. Sometimes, in critical situations, like an important meeting, this extra hour of notebook battery power can help you clinch your desired deal.
This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Wholesale Computers Laptops Info details
- How to Clear a Computer Laptop Keyboard
- How To Compare And Buy Computer Laptops
- Sony Vaio Laptop Computers:-laptops are a Rage These Days
- Homeshop18 Shopping – Latest Computers & Laptop Shop Online
- Wireless Accessories for Computer Laptops / Desktops
- Buy Laptop Computers: Incredible Offers!
- I Think My Computer Is Overheating! What Do I Do?




Tips on buying a macbook a1181 lcd screen
By: johnsunvalley | 06/07/2009Tips on buying a macbook a1181 lcd screen
Unmatched Performance Of Sony AIT-3 Tape
By: Tape4backup | 06/07/2009Sony AIT3 tape offers unparalleled intelligence and data protection as it uses the hyper-metal laminate technique which assists in reducing the tape wear. Sony AIT-3 tape technology offers remarkable data density and robustness.
How Used Computer Equipment Can Cut Your Business Cost
By: Caitlina Fuller | 06/07/2009With the recession in full swing at the moment most people are seeing financial change in their community and in their households. Businesses are finding it tough to survive and many shops are being forced to close.
Many Reasons to Buy Used Computer Equipment
By: Caitlina Fuller | 06/07/2009Buying new things all of the time can be great fun. Seeing every bit of computer equipment looking new and shiny can be very satisfying. However, many people do not consider what harm they are doing to the environment with all of their new purchases.
How to Choose Good Data Conversion Services in UK?
By: Editor123 | 04/07/2009The data conversion services must ensure protection against loss of data, as it is the most important expectation from the companies offering these services.
To make you laptop easy to live: Laptop tips
By: Johnson | 04/07/2009Maybe you have a shiny new laptop for using on your commute to the office, on business trips, vacations and at the coffee shop down the street. That's great! You'll be a productivity powerhouse! But just hold your horses for a moment there, buddy.
Why Buy A Laser Printer
By: search rankpros | 03/07/2009In these times of economic recession, companies are being forced to do whatever they can to reduce expenditure; including taking action to reduce the amount of money spent on office supplies, electricity bills and printing costs.
I Do..Or do I? Whether to Choose an Inkjet or Laser Printer
By: search rankpros | 03/07/2009You may have noticed much of the world is in a state of depression at the moment.
The Impressive Mobile Computer
By: Roberto Sedycias | 05/07/2009 | ComputersJust when the world had started relishing the discovery of the desktop computers, stepped in the very stylish and easy to use notebooks! A completely fresh and innovative discovery of the 1990`s, the notebook was the perfect competitor for the existing giants in the world of PCs. A notebook in its...
Anti-Aging Products That Make You Look Younger
By: Roberto Sedycias | 24/06/2009 | Anti AgingAge cannot be stopped but it can be reversed. Here`s how you can turn back time with anti-aging products and keep looking younger.
4 Basic Tips On How To Play Guitar Hero
By: Roberto Sedycias | 16/06/2009 | SoftwareGuitar hero is a game for Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo that may be simple to play. However at higher levels, it may be very challenging. Read on.
Keeping Fit With Yoga Basics
By: Roberto Sedycias | 02/06/2009 | HealthIn Sanskrit language the word yoga means union or addition of two or more things. The term is used in today`s terminology pertains to forms of exercises, postures and poses which helps one in the union of spirit, body and mind. Yoga basics help one in understanding the different forms...
The Top 3 Game Consoles Review
By: Roberto Sedycias | 01/06/2009 | ComputersEvery few years, a new game console hits the market but there are few that have remained the all time favourite of one and all. There are several game consoles that have been suitably designed to match the needs, budgets and tastes of every individual. Whether you are a growing...
Get to Know Your Pantyhose in and Out
By: Roberto Sedycias | 28/05/2009 | Women's IssuesPantyhose, a type of women`s garment, tightly encases the body from waist downward to the feet. These sheer nylon leg encasings shape the body and legs and comes in various styles and sizes. These are also called `tights` as they closely contour the legs. By the 1960s they provided a convenient...
An Insight Into High Heel Shoes
By: Roberto Sedycias | 26/05/2009 | Women's IssuesHigh heel shoes refer to a pair of fashionable women`s footwear which raises the wearer`s feet significantly higher than their toes. High heeled footwear creates an aesthetically taller, slender and more toned figures. They are available in a diverse range of styles and shapes like stilettos, pumps, blocks, tapered, wedge...
Mp7 Cell Phones: All In One Handset
By: Roberto Sedycias | 26/05/2009 | ComputersJust like electricity and cars, cell phones too have become an integral part of our lives. It is no longer a necessity but a luxury. Cell phone technologies have taken giant strides since the time they were first introduced. New models of cell phones are being frequently launched in the...