Despite big advancements in technology, battery drain is an ongoing problem. Here are some ways to extend the life of your batteries:
- Use the power management settings on your computer that comes built in.
- Switch off the wireless card if you do not plan to access your network or internet connection
- Disable Bluetooth if you don’t use it.
- Shut down or hibernate the laptop if you plan on not using it for awhile.
- Turn off unused ports such as VGA, Ethernet, PMCIA and USB.
- Reduce the LCD’s brightness level when in well-lit areas.
- Turn down the screen resolution.
- If your laptop has an OLED based display, avoid displaying white images. OLED screens consume a lot less power displaying blank.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Batteries will die faster at extreme temperatures. Try to charge and use the battery at room temperatures.
- Use a cooling pad when using a notebook computer on your lap.
- Avoid propping your laptop on a pillow, blanket or other soft surface that can heat up.
- Sleep mode doesn’t use too much power and is useful if you want to stop working for a short period of time.
- When your computer is in hibernate mode, it uses zero power.
- Connected standby can be more of a drain on your battery than “sleep” or “hibernate” as applications are still running and updating.