Extend the Life of Your Laptop Battery

Laptops are great.  They are mobile and compact, yet they have many of the same features that desktop computers offer.  However, they do have one drawback.  A common complaint about laptop computers is that their battery life does not support prolonged computer use.  It can be very aggravating when a laptop dies as you are trying to watch a DVD or write a report that is several pages long.  To maintain mobility and avoid having to constantly use a power cord, try implementing the following tips the extend the life of your laptop battery.

1.  Adjust the brightness settings on the LCD.

LCDs make great screens for laptops, but they consume a lot of power.  You can reduce the screen’s power consumption by turning down the brightness settings.  This can add a significant amount of time to the battery life, and you probably won’t notice the change in screen appearance.

2.  Disconnect.

External devices, such as a USB cord running to a camera, can drain a battery faster than you might expect.  Even if you are not actively downloading pictures from the camera, it is still placing a significant load on the battery.  To prolong the laptop battery’s life, disconnect non-essential items immediately after you are done using them.

3.  Turn the computer off when not in use.

Although it seems like a no-brainer, users should always turn their laptops off when they are not in use.  It is very easy to just fold the laptop and pack it away, but without properly going through the shut down procedure the laptop will stay on and waste power.  If you will only be gone for several minutes you can put the computer in hibernate mode, but leaving the computer for a longer period of time means that it should be shut down.

4.  Clean up the hard drive.

Most laptop users are not aware of exactly how many programs are running while the computer is in use.  For example, you might be browsing the web while your computer is also running an antivirus or spyware program.  Turning off these automatic programs will decrease the strain on your hard drive and the computer will require less power to operate.

5.  Clean the battery itself.

Lastly, laptop users can extend the lives of their laptop batteries just by cleaning them.  Simply remove the battery from the underside of the laptop and clean the contacts using a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.  This will help remove any dust, grime, or residue that may cause a weak battery connection.  Computer experts recommend that laptop batteries receive this type of cleaning every two months for optimum battery life.

Laptops are some of the most convenient electronics available, and these personal computers are invaluable for on the go individuals.  By using these simple tips, laptop owners can see a significant increase in battery life and enjoy hours of mobile web browsing, entertainment, and so much more.

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