By Terry Kirby

Here are 10 ways you can greatly extend the use of your battery’s charge while on the go.  Extend, as in 30 minutes or more!

1. Reduce screen brightness – This is huge.  The lower, the better.  Check keyboard icons for which buttons modify this. Probably hold the Fn key while pressing up or down, or one of the F keys (F6/F7?).  It all depends on your model.
2. Tune the radio off! Most laptops have an external switch to turn off wireless and Bluetooth radios.  Again, probably an Fn + F key on the keyboard.
3. Limit usage of external devices such as USB connected devices.
4. Don’t open many applications at once.
5. Exit programs you aren’t using. Programs that start with your computer are just pulling away at your battery.  Exit things like QuickTime, MSN Messenger, Google Desktop, etc.
6. Keep it cool.  Increased heat it puts more stress on your laptop and starts up the fan.
7. Use hibernation when not in use vs sleep mode.
8. Use light programs such as Word, Excel, or internet browsing. Stay away from graphic intensive applications or even media players.
9. Avoid playing games, music, or DVDs.
10. Mute your sound.

Solid state drives are available in some new laptops.  They’re basically a huge flash drive instead of a hard drive at all.  As they don’t have any moving parts, some manufactures advertise up to 18 hours of usage.  Look for this option on your next purchase.

Need power while stuck in an airport?  A Microsoft employee started this wiki to detail power outlet locations.

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Tags: Battery, Laptops, Power, Travel
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