Quick Reference Guide

CHAPTER 5: Managing Power
54
Conserving battery power
To conserve power while using the battery to power your
notebook:
• Turn off wireless networking and Bluetooth.
• Dim the display as low as is comfortable.
• Disconnect all external devices, like Firewire and USB
devices, and optical drives.
• 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.
• Select the Power saver power plan to get maximum
power savings.
• 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.
• Turn off auto-save features in Microsoft Office and
other applications.
• Copy programs from CDs or DVDs to the hard drive so
you do not use battery power by running optical drives.
• Use the CD or DVD drive only when necessary. This drive
uses a large amount of power.
• Recharge the battery often, take an extra battery, and
fully recharge the batteries before traveling. For more
information, see “Recharging the battery” on page 50.
Tip
For more information about using power plans, see “Changing
notebook power settings” on page 56.
Tip
For more information about traveling with your notebook, see
“Traveling with Your Notebook” on page 61.