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Chapter 8: Managing Power
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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 an d IBM Microdrive cards when you do not n eed
them. Many PC Cards and Microdrive 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 page176.
■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 180.
■Using the CD, DVD, or recordable drive only when necessary. These drives
use a large amount of power.
■Recharging the battery often, taking an extra battery, and fully recharging
the batteries before traveling. For more information, see “Recharging the
battery” on page 169 and “Changing batteries” on page 171.

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 ada pter, also take a single-plug surge prot ector.
■If you will have access to an automobile cigarette lighter, use a power
inverter. Save the battery for times when you cannot use a power adapter.
■To find ACpower outlets in airports, look for them next to support pillars,
in large areas such as boarding gates, and under banks of telephones.