To Get The Most From Your Batteries - HP omnibook OBXT1500 Reference Manual

To get the most from your batteries

Follow these suggestions to make your battery's power last as long as possible.
• Plug in the AC adapter, especially when using a CD, DVD, or similar drive, or any
external connections such as a PC Card or a modem.
• Set the display brightness to the lowest comfortable level (Fn+F1).
• Put the notebook on standby whenever you are not using it for a short while.
• Put the notebook into hibernation whenever you want to save your current session,
but will not be using the notebook for several hours.
• Set the automatic timeout settings to emphasize saving power. If your notebook has a
dual-speed processor, use the lower speed on battery power (the default settings
conserve battery power). See "How the notebook manages power automatically" on
page 46.
• If your notebook has a wireless on-off button, turn off the wireless function when
you're not using it. Press the wireless on-off button so the light turns off.
• If you have an I/O PC Card—that is, a PC Card having an external connection, such
as a network card—remove it when you're not using it. Some I/O cards use
significant power even while they're inactive.
• If you work with an application that uses an I/O PC Card, exit the application when
you finish using it.
• Install a different battery—see "Step 1: Install the battery" on page 20.
In addition, follow these suggestions to extend the life of your battery.
• Do not leave batteries unused for long periods. If you have more than one, rotate
them.
• If you normally use AC power, make a practice of using the battery as your power
source at least once a week.
• Unplug the AC adapter when the notebook is not in use.
• To preserve the life of a battery, be sure to charge it regularly.
• For long-term storage, the battery must be charged 20–50% to minimize capacity loss
by self-discharge and to avoid deterioration of performance. Storing a fully charged
battery can cause higher self-discharge and reduce its discharge capacity—even after
recharging—as compared to a battery stored when charged 20–50%.
Batteries and Power Management
Using Battery Power
Reference Guide 51