CHAPTER 5: Managing Power

Extending battery life

Maximizing battery performance

To get maximum performance from your notebook battery(ies), we recommend that you initially condition (fully charge and discharge) your new battery(ies) a few times during the first several weeks of use, to let them reach their maximum rated capacity.

Over the long term, use the battery(ies) at least once a month, even if they were kept in a cool, dry place for storage, but avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery(ies). Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for a lithium-ion battery than one complete discharge, and recharging a partially charged lithium-ion battery does not cause harm because there is no memory.

Conserving battery power

To conserve power while using the battery(ies) to power your notebook:

•Turn off wireless networking and Bluetooth.

•Dim the display as low as is comfortable.

•Disconnect all external devices, like IEEE 1394 and USB devices.

•Remove 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.

•Close 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.

•Use Hibernate mode for maximum power savings while your notebook is not in use.

Tip

For more information about using Hibernate mode, see “Traveling with Your Notebook” on page 71.

•Use the notebook touchpad instead of an external mouse.

•Decrease or mute speaker volume.

•Turn off all scheduled tasks.

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