Gateway MA3, Reference Manual, Page: 60 / 304

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 .