How can I use my portable computer on battery power for longer?

There are several things you can do to maximize the amount of time you can use your computer on its battery. Apple uses all these tricks when setting the expectation for how long your battery will last.

First take a look at the Energy Saver pane of your System Preferences. Choose Battery from the Setting for menu and then choose Better Battery Life from the Optimization menu. The second thing you’ll want to do is dim your display to the lowest brightness level comfortably possible using the function keys on your keyboard. If you have a backlit keyboard, turn off the extra lighting by pressing the labeled function keys.

Next, you’ll want to turn off AirPort wireless and Bluetooth using their drop down menus in the upper right corner of your computer’s screen (near the clock). (If you don’t see their symbols there, you can use the Bluetooth and Network panes of System Preferences.) Even when you are not using these features, they consume power.

Lastly, you should disconnect any peripherals and quit applications when they are not in use. Eject CDs and DVDs when you’re not using them. Your Apple notebook works best in temperatures between 50° and 95°F so you may experience poor battery life at extreme temperatures even after following all these tips.

Read "How can I maximize the lifespan of my portable computer’s battery?" for how to calibrate your computer's battery.

Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on June 26, 2009 5:04 PM