Gateway M305, User Manual

Page: 165 / 322

155
Extending battery life
www.gateway.com
Extending battery life
Conserving battery power
While using the battery to power your notebook, conserve power by:
■ Dimming the display as low as is comfortable.
■ Removing PC Cards and IBM Microdrive cards when you do not need
them. Many PC Cards and Microdrive cards use a small amount of power
while inserted, even if they are not being used.
■ Modifying the power management settings for maximum power savings.
For more information, see
“Changing power settings” on page 157 .
■ Closing 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.
■ Using Hibernate mode for maximum power savings while your notebook
is not in use. For more information, see
“Activating and using Hibernate
mode” on page 161 .
■ Using the CD, DVD, or recordable drive only when necessary. These drives
use a large amount of power.
■ Recharging the battery often, taking an extra battery, and fully recharging
the batteries before traveling. For more information, see
“Recharging the
battery” on page 151 and “Changing batteries” on page 153 .
Using alternate power sources
To extend battery life, use alternate power sources whenever possible.
■
If traveling internationally, take electrical adapters. Save the battery for
times when you cannot use a power adapter. If you plan on taking your
AC power adapter, also take a single-plug surge protector.
■
If you will have access to an EmPower™ in-flight power receptacle or an
automobile cigarette lighter, use an airplane/automobile power adapter or
power inverter. Save the battery for times when you cannot use a power
adapter.
■
To find AC power outlets in airports, look for them next to support pillars,
in large areas such as boarding gates, and under banks of telephones.