Four Tips on Maximizing HP Compaq Laptop Battery Performance

Four Tips on Maximizing HP Compaq Laptop Battery Performance

Power down all nonessential functions. Switch it off if you're not using it. IBM Laptop Battery,Many business travelers already know that you don't want to take the DVD player for a spin on the plane, and that every time you hit "save" it can set the hard-drive whirring, which devours even more power. "But users often also forget to turn off their wireless card when they are no longer using it but are still using their computer," notes Mike Fuller, executive vice president of PC Laptops, a Sandy, Utah, laptop manufacturer. "When the wireless card is on, it still continually searches for networks." In Windows XP, click on "Power Options" in your control panel. It allows you to reduce the power consumption of any number of your computer devices or of your entire system.

Stay out of extreme temperatures. The technology that powers you battery isn't terribly complicated.ThinkPad R51 Series, FRU 08K8193, 92P1060, 08K8214, 08K8195, But it's important to understand a little bit about the chemistry behind batteries, and how that can affect your work. Specifically, temperatures can affect the performance of your battery. It's best to use (and especially charge) your batteries at room temperatures. Extreme conditions can drain your battery quickly. Also, avoid partial charges and use the battery until it is dead. Battery experts liken partial charges ,ThinkPad R51 Series,�� and discharges �� to eating a cup of lard every day. It significantly shortens your battery's life. Considering that a lithium-ion battery can explode if it's improperly used, it could also shorten your life.

Let your laptop do the saving. Not every computing device handles a power source in the same way. Some of the more sophisticated laptops, which are designed with business travelers in mind, are misers when it comes to using power. And that's a good thing �� if you can remember to take advantage of it. "Most users make the mistake of simply not choosing to use a product's built-in ability to conserve battery life," says Dan Coffman, a senior product manager for PC manufacturer ViewSonic.FRU 08K8193, How do you harness your PC's built-in ability to save? Consult your user manual. Often, calibrating your laptop is as easy as double-clicking on the battery icon in the toolbar.

Always, always carry a spare device that uses batteries. How obvious is that? Well, if you're trying to keep under the onerous new airline weight-limits, it isn't. But as Rick Thompson, director of engineering at Valence Technology in Austin, Texas, observes, "the availability of 'free' power outside of your hotel room is not predictable." That's a nice way of saying it. In fact, I sometimes think airport terminals, car-rental facilities and hotels try to hide the power outlets from us to keep us from accessing their free power. Thompson recommends a system that can simultaneously charge a second portable device such as a cell phone or PDA, allowing you to multitask your battery operations.
ThinkPad R51 Series, FRU 08K8193, 92P1060, 08K8214, 08K8195,

When using a laptop as a desktop replacement the battery should not be left in for long periods of time. 92P1060, The laptop will over time discharge the battery. Remove the battery �C making sure that it is charged to 40% and store it in a dry, warm place. Ensure that it is wrapped protectively and nothing will be dropped on it.

The battery should be re-installed every 3-4 weeks and allowed to fully discharge. Leaving a battery in storage for longer than this without using could cause the battery to fully discharge as the circuitry of the battery itself consumes power.

Leaving a battery in a laptop while using an electrical outlet for long periods of time will keep the battery in a constant state of charging up and that will reduce the life cycle of the battery.

Remember that when you have removed the battery from a laptop while using with an electrical outlet �C the automatic battery backup is no longer functional. Make sure to plug your laptop into an uninterrupted power source (UPS) not directly into an outlet or surge protector.

Laptop batteries have finite life spans. Whether you use the power cord and remove the battery it will lengthen the life of the battery.

Li-Ion laptop battery lifespan is approximately 1000 charge cycles, 08K8214, or 2-4 years under normal operating conditions.

Keeping the battery in a cool place can prolong its life but not in a period of extended storage. The Li-ion battery should be stored at 40 percent rather than full-charge state.

The battery ages even if not used. ThinkPad R51 Series, FRU 08K8193, 92P1060, 08K8214, 08K8195,For best results, keep the battery cool. In addition, store the battery at a 40 percent charge level. Never fully charge or discharge the battery before storage. The 40 percent charge assures a stable condition even if self-discharge robs some of the battery's energy. Most battery manufacturers store Li-ion batteries at 15C (59F) and at 40 percent charge.

Keeping a laptop battery on constant charge is and never using it is not good for the laptop battery.

Run the battery down and recharging it at least once every month.

Making sure your laptop is ready to run at all times and in any location is important for mobile office professionals. Help protect and extend your laptop's battery life with these simple steps
ThinkPad R51 Series, FRU 08K8193, 92P1060, 08K8214, 08K8195,
Use the correct recharging procedure for your laptop. Only use the power cord that came with your laptop or an authorized replacement.

Follow correct maintenance for your battery when not in use.08K8195, Don't leave it in direct sunlight, areas where it will be exposed to extreme temperatures such as car trunks.

Use your laptop's power management features. The system will run at lower processor speeds when enabling power management features and it will go into "sleep" mode faster when inactive.

Buy batteries with internal processors such as Li-Ion batteries.

Non Li-Ion batteries must be fully discharged and then recharged every 2-3 weeks.

If you don't use your laptop for a period of time, you must fully discharge then recharge the battery.