Gateway Laptop Laptop User Manual


 
CHAPTER 5: Managing Power
62
Extending battery life
Maximizing battery performance
To get maximum performance from your notebook
battery(ies), we recommend that you initially condition (fully
charge and discharge) your new battery(ies) a few times
during the first several weeks of use, to let them reach their
maximum rated capacity.
Over the long term, use the battery(ies) at least once a month,
even if they were kept in a cool, dry place for storage, but
avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional
strain on the battery(ies). Several partial discharges with
frequent recharges are better for a lithium-ion battery than
one complete discharge, and recharging a partially charged
lithium-ion battery does not cause harm because there is no
memory.
Conserving battery power
To conserve power while using the battery(ies) to power your
notebook:
Turn off wireless networking and Bluetooth.
Dim the display as low as is comfortable.
Disconnect all external devices, like IEEE 1394 and USB
devices.
Remove PC Cards when you do not need them. Many
PC Cards use a small amount of power while inserted,
even if they are not being used.
Close 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.
Use Hibernate mode for maximum power savings while
your notebook is not in use.
Use the notebook touchpad instead of an external
mouse.
Decrease or mute speaker volume.
Turn off all scheduled tasks.
Tip
For more information about using Hibernate mode, see
“Traveling with Your Notebook” on page 71.