How to Get the Best Battery Life From a Laptop Computer

By eHow Computers Editor

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A rechargeable battery will last an average of two years. You can take steps to get better total battery life and longer battery life per charge.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Charge the battery for 12 hours before use.
Step2
Let the battery drain completely before recharging if you have a nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery. Upgrade to a nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery'or better, a lithium-ion battery'if one is made for your machine.
Step3
Let the battery drain as much as possible before recharging if you have an NiMH battery.
Step4
Recharge an NiMH battery between long periods of inactivity.
Step5
Travel with an extra battery. Use the two batteries equally.
Step6
Avoid running the floppy and CD drives off the battery, if possible.
Step7
Reduce the display's brightness when possible.

Tips & Warnings

  • As time goes by, you will need to recharge any rechargeable battery more often. When the battery life is about 25 percent of its original level, get a new battery. With normal use, expect about half the per-charge life claimed by the manufacturer.
  • Use the laptop manufacturer's power-management software only in those rare instances when you can sacrifice performance for battery life.
  • If you're buying a laptop, get one with a lithium-ion battery.

Comments

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battman said

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on 6/12/2008 Always keep a spare lithium battery so that you'll never miss a Important fair. Here you will find some of the best USA prices on replacement Battery, adater(chargers),battery reviews, features, specifications and related accessories.

http://www.buy-laptop-battery.org
http://www.my-batteries.com

battman said

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on 5/16/2008 It's useful for most laptop user,maybe it can help you: http://www.buy-laptop-battery.org. here are some laptop battery info, specs, battery tips...........

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/15/2006 Do not use modified sinewave inverters on laptops with rechargeable batteries. The battery cycle life (how many times it recharges) decreases dramatically, hence killing the batteries prematurely. Use pure sine inverters!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/25/2006 When I'm working at home and don't need to use the battery, I remove it from my laptop.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/16/2006 You can extend the life of an old rechargeable battery somewhat. Fully charge it, then fully drain it. Put it in a freezer bag and then in the fridge. Repeat this a few times and hopefully the life should be extended. Worked for me!

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eHow Article:  How to Get the Best Battery Life From a Laptop Computer

eHow Computers Editor

eHow Computers Editor

Category: Computers

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