Quick Reference Guide

CHAPTER 5: Managing Power
52
• 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 external
optical drives.
• Use the external 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 48.
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, an automobile power outlet, 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.
Changing power modes
You can use the following power modes to lengthen the life
of your notebook’s battery:
• Sleep - while your notebook is in Sleep mode, it switches
to a low power state where devices, such as the display
and drives, turn off.
Tip
For more information about traveling with your notebook, see
“Traveling with Your Notebook” on page 57.