Have you ever wondered why your laptop battery doesn’t last as long as it used to? Do you get frustrated when your laptop ‘dies’ while you’re on the go? Battery care is probably the last thing on your mind while using your laptop PC, but it will help you stay powered up longer. Here are a few simple tips to extend the life of your laptop battery and spend more time unplugged.
THE BASICS (while on battery power)
- Dim the screen
- Only run one application at a time
- Don’t use the CD/DVD drive
- Turn off the antenna if you’re not on Wi-Fi
- Unplug USB devices when not in use
STUFF YOU MAY NOT KNOW
Keep it Cool
A battery’s ability to provide power breaks down over time. Heat can speed up the breakdown greatly and decrease battery life. Heat isn’t good for the internal components of your laptop either, so keeping them both cool is a win-win.
- Don’t place your laptop on thick carpet, a pillow or on any surface which restricts airflow or blocks the fan grille
- Avoid putting your laptop in its case immediately after shutdown
- Don’t leave your laptop in a hot car for long periods of time (weekend)
Take Charge of Charging
If your laptop is your primary computer, chances are it’s plugged in most of the time. Although it’s convenient, leaving the battery in a perpetual state of charge is bad for its long-term health.
- Unplug occasionally during the day
- Expend your battery fully about twice per month
- Remove the battery if you will be plugged-in for long periods of time (If you do make sure it’s about half charged before storing.)
For more about getting the most from your battery and tips on buying power sipping laptops, check out this article from PC Mag or visit www.batteryuniversity.com
Think your laptop battery has already given up the ghost? A replacement is probably cheaper than you think, and we’ll have you mobile again in no time!
