I don’t think everyone in the world has their laptop practically in a hip holster such as myself (hey, that’s what happens when your entire job as well as your creative endeavors are on the internet!) but I know that a good majority of people have laptops and that they eventually have issues with their batteries becoming exhausted. To get the most out of your laptop for an extended period of time, you need to take regular care of your battery.
Here are some tips to make your laptop battery last longer:
1. Stop Multitasking - Turn off any unnecessary programs that are running. Each program adds to your CPU (central processing unit, or processor in Lehman’s terms) load and cut into your battery’s life.
2. Stay Cool - Your laptop runs more efficiently at a cool to moderate temperature. Ever notice how when it gets hot it sounds like it’s going to grow jet engines & burst right off your desk? Yeah, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure this out but it’s still something we (I) continually forget. Another tip: clean the air vents!
3. Cut Down - Any superfluous USB devices (including your mouse) & WiFi exhaust your battery. I know, I KNOW YOU NEED YOUR IPOD, but seriously, having it plugged in 24/7 is ruining your laptop!
4. Don’t Be So Demanding - The more you demand from your laptop the less it’s going to be able to give you in the long run so prioritize your computer activities.
5. Turn It Down - Dim your screen display! You really don’t need them at full brightness during the day so save that energy for when you need it!
6. Customize Your Power Options – Depending on what operating system you’re on the directions may vary but get into your power settingpower usage is optimized (hit up the ‘max battery’ option for the best results).
7. Shhhh!!! You do not need your volume full blast, especially when you’re not actually listening to anything, so turn down the volume or better yet, mute it.
8. Save Yourself – Turn off your programs’ auto-save functions. Sure they’re great for those of us who are too busy to remember to save but they use energy saving at regular intervals and make your hard drive work harder, thus contributing to the maxing out of your battery. Just don’t forget to actually save!
9. Spring Clean - Defrag your computer on a regular basis.The faster your hard drive works the less it is going to be demanding from your battery.
10. Exercise - Don’t leave your full battery just hanging out doing nothing. Once you charge it, you need to use it. Sidenote: try to avoid letting Li-On batteries discharge fully (most newer laptops have these type of batteries) although older batteries, it can be beneficial to let it fully discharge so make sure to investigate your laptop’s battery model.
I'm all about protecting my investment. Thanks! XO
Good stuff, nice advice Marissa.