How to Extend Your Laptop or Notebook Battery Life

Don't ya just hate it when you are using your notebook or laptop and suddenly you get the message on your screen that your battery is 'critically low'? Well, here are a few simple steps to saving that battery life or at least stretching it out as long as possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• your laptop
• your owners manual (to adjust factory settings on your laptop)
• to read this article

1. 
   adjust power options on your laptop

   First, adjust your power options on your operating system.
   
   All laptops are slightly different so you will want to consult your users manual but most models will offer: balanced, power saver, and high performance options.
   Choose the "power saver" option for the maximum battery saver or choose the "balanced" option for maximum performance. The "High performance" option should only be used when you have your laptop plugged into an outlet.

2. 
   access settings

   Most IBM/ Windows XP, and Vista users will be able to access their settings this way:
   
   *Click "START" and then "Control Panel"
   
   *Click "Performance maintained" (you may have to go to category/view first)
   
   *Click "Power Options"
   
   *Click the small arrow under the "Power Schemes" tab
   
   *Click "Max Battery"
   
   *Click "OK"

3. 
   Apple, iBooks, Powerbooks, and MacBooks

   The Apple iBooks, Powerbooks, and MacBooks have their own settings to reduce battery usage whenever possible. From the 'main menu:
   *Click: "System preferences"
   
   *Click: "View menu" then: "Energy saver"
   
   *Click "Show details"
   
   *Select "battery" (or 'battery power')
   
   *Select "longest"
   
   For more information, on access to these settings, consult your users manual.

Tips & Warnings

• a simple way to cut down on battery usage is to only run one program at a time
• Also, dim your screen

[dsarokin]

on 11/6/2008 Good tips. As sophisticated as laptops have gotten, they still burn through battery power like nobody's biz. These will help me be the true road warrior I was born to be.

[slphilbrick]

on 10/27/2008 I usually just drag my power cord around with me... this is good info that I didn't know ! 5*

[2besure]

on 10/24/2008 Thanks, I have been having problem with my battery.

[showpup]

on 10/17/2008 Thank you for sharing this! My daughter in law will love you for it. 5*

[Marique-Ideas]

on 10/2/2008 My daughter has this problem. I'll send her your link.