My Experiences and knowledge gained with my laptop.
After purchasing a laptop for the first time I was so delighted to get free from the restricted atmosphere created by PC. While choosing the laptop I took care and selected the size and weight which is easy to carry. Without proper knowledge in the prices and configuration of laptops and its company I finally selected SAMSUNG. During the time of purchase, there is no other choice for me as the configuration and budget matched my needs. However, as SAMSUNG R508 was introduced for the first time the rates were reasonable when compared to other models of top companies. I purchased it for Rs. 35,000 inclusive of taxes, which have decreased now. Initially, my intention was to purchase Dell or Acer, but the configuration and color were not available in same price.
After purchasing I could not find any reviews on the product and was discouraged by others who own Dell and other top brand laptops. I thought it was a bad decision for me to choice an unknown brand so early without proper guidance. Another thing, which kept me worried always, was the battery life as I have to connect with wireless router for my Internet connection. Then after a keen observation of the battery backup time which was 2 hours initially without power connection I made a decision to improve it. Keep my eye on Websites which gave tips on improving battery backup and its life.
Fact we all know:
As laptop is valuable one, each part of it is valuable and needs maintenance to increase its life.
What the Websites use to advice most?
I followed some steps through the knowledge gained from Websites:
1) My laptop has both Bluetooth and Wi-fi features, which is available in most of the latest laptops. Bluetooth feature is not used by me regularly so I confirmed it whether it is turnoff or not. Though I use Wi-fi for my Internet, which is almost connected the entire day, when not in use I just disable it. To check the status of these features the easy way is to select ControlPanel>NetworkandInternet>NetworkConnections>(In WindowsVista). Some laptops have wireless connections enable/disable buttons. Please see the image:
For disable/enable just right click on the icon as see here:
Reason for doing these things:
The reason for disabling when not in use is to save the battery backup time. In general, the battery will be consumed
more when a network is been searched by any of these wireless modules.
2) Next important thing which I found very useful is “Power Option” which is available in Window vista system. On clicking
the battery icon you can see the settings windows where you can set to power saver option. The following settings are
used by me:
Reason: In general the power saver option is quiet suitable for most of the applications we use and when not in use it will put the system to sleep mode. The main advantage I found is processor can take some rest for sometime and in extreme hot climatic conditions it will not get heated when not in use. However there are balanced and high performance options too, which may be used by adjusting some features but can reduce battery life.
Some laptop companies give their own software for optimizing power but it is better to follow the OS options.
3) Brightness is another main thing to be noted. Though we all think it is not related to battery in anyway the fact is the more brightness = reduction of battery life. It is good to keep a comfortable viewable screen brightness for the life of battery and our eyes too.
4) I generally haven’t used any external speakers or earphone for my laptop but using them is good than internal speaker given with laptop. Be carful of things like pen-drives, portable hard disks, wireless modem which can use power from the laptop battery. Better to disconnect them when not in use.
My personal experience in extreme heat conditions:
5) In extreme heat condition I came across many advices to use laptop USB Cooling Fan or laptop pad in market but they are not going to help you. I suggest the power saver option, in power options of OS and closing the lid of laptop when not in use. Another thing is keep the laptop vertically and place it on higher altitude so that air can pass it. Don’t keep it on lap, pillows or bed where air cannot pass. Avoid lap too as you may get lapburns. Well these steps can be followed if you cannot provide AC. I have done it and my laptop is not getting heated too much in extreme heat conditions.
Finally I have observed a drastic change in the performance and battery backup of my laptop after following these maintenance steps. My battery in now given 4 hours backup when is not on power. I just had forgotten one thing to say about improving battery performance:
Battery calibration technique, can be used which means completely discharging your battery till 0, available in the BIOS settings. By doing this technique once in every four months i have observed the above changes.
Though these techniques may already be known by others, I though my feedback will help others to follow the rules. However if manufacturing defects are there no one can do anything other than replacing the battery or any parts. But in my view those defect can be known within one year of purchase of the laptop and can be replaced easily if limited warranty is given by the company.
Conclusion:
I now do not regret for purchasing an unknown brand like SAMSUNG. Also got experience to share and suggest that whatever be the brand finally some maintenance is necessary for better performance and long life. Its more than 1 year and still my battery is in good condition.
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