Gateway 450 Extending battery life, Conserving battery power, Using alternate power sources, 149

Extending battery life

Extending battery life

Conserving battery power

While using the battery to power your notebook, conserve power by:

■Dimming the display as low as is comfortable.

■Removing PC Cards when you do not need them. Many PC Cards use a small amount of power while inserted, even if they are not being used.

■Modifying the power management settings for maximum power savings. For more information, see “Changing power settings” on page 151.

■Closing the LCD panel to turn off the display while you are not using your notebook. The display stays off until you open the panel again.

■Using Hibernate mode for maximum power savings while your notebook is not in use. For more information, see “Activating and using Hibernate mode” on page 155.

■Using the CD, DVD, or recordable drive only when necessary. These drives use a large amount of power.

■Recharge the battery often, take an extra battery, and fully recharge the batteries before traveling. For more information, see “Recharging the battery” on page 141 and “Changing batteries” on page 143.

Using alternate power sources

To extend battery life, use alternate power sources whenever possible.

■If traveling internationally, take electrical adapters. Save the battery for times when you cannot use a power adapter. If you plan on taking your AC power adapter, also take a single-plug surge protector.

■If you will have access to an EmPower™ in-flight power receptacle or an automobile cigarette lighter, use an airplane/automobile power adapter. Save the battery for times when you cannot use a power adapter.

■To find AC power outlets in airports, look for them next to support pillars, in large areas such as boarding gates, and under banks of telephones.

www.gateway.com 149