Want to get the longest performance out of your laptop battery? Use these tips from Sue Smythe of CMIT Solutions Everett to conserve battery power when you’re on the go.
• If you’re not using the Internet, turn off Wi-Fi (consult your owner’s manual for instructions). Your laptop constan
tly searches for new networks when Wi-Fi is on, resulting in unnecessary power usage.
• Dim your screen a notch or two (again, consult the manual). The display and hard drive are two of the most power-hungry components of your laptop, and dimming the screen can have a dramatic effect on power consumption.
• Make sure your power management settings (Control Panel — All Control Panel Options — Power Options — Select A Power Plan, in Windows 7) are set to “Power Saver” mode. You can customize the settings to auto-dim your screen or put the machine to sleep even sooner than the default time.
A laptop battery is often pricey and has a limited lifespan. Proper maintenance will extend its useful life.
• Periodically remove the battery from your laptop and clean the contact terminals on the battery and in the computer with a cotton swap moistened with rubbing alcohol.
• If you have a fairly new laptop, it most likely uses a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. Li-ion batteries do not suffer from performance degradation from partial discharges (i.e., before the battery’s power indicator goes to zero), so charge the battery every chance you get, even if you’ve only used a little of its power. Never let a Li-ion battery fully discharge.
• If you have an older computer (three-plus years, but check your documentation to be sure), it might run on a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. These batteries need to be fully discharged and recharged every few months. To discharge your battery, unplug the laptop, adjust the power management settings (see above) so it won’t go to sleep or otherwise power down, and let it run. Play a DVD from the optical drive to hasten the process. After it’s completely drained, charge it fully.
• Keep your machine properly ventilated. Don’t let clothing, dust or debris block cooling vents. A hot machine demands more from the battery and shortens its lifespan.
Sue Smythe: 425-374-2436; everett@cmitsolutions.com; www.cmitsolutions.com/everett
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