How to Get the Best Battery Life From a Laptop Computer

A rechargeable battery will last an average of two years. You can take steps to get better total battery life and longer battery life per charge.

Step1

Charge the battery for 12 hours before use.

Step2

Let the battery drain completely before recharging if you have a nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery. Upgrade to a nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery'or better, a lithium-ion battery'if one is made for your machine.

Step3

Let the battery drain as much as possible before recharging if you have an NiMH battery.

Step4

Recharge an NiMH battery between long periods of inactivity.

Step5

Travel with an extra battery. Use the two batteries equally.

Step6

Avoid running the floppy and CD drives off the battery, if possible.

Step7

Reduce the display's brightness when possible.