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How to Get Good Battery Life?

B

brokenbuyer

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 7, 2011
136
1
I'm looking for a few more tips to make my battery last a bit longer.
Using the new MBP 13" 2.3GHz, 4GB Ram, base line model.

  • Turn off Bluetooth
  • Turn off Remote Control IR Receiver
  • Turn off Airport when not using
  • Screen Brightness Down
  • Keyboard Backlight off
  • Battery Calibration Once a Month
  • Energy Saver factory defaults
  • Nothing in Superdrive
  • Always close screen when not using (sleep) or turn off
  • Run only apps I'm using/need
  • smcFanControl if gets too hot (don't know if this is related :p)
 
The very best way to conserve battery is to make sure that you never ever use the computer.

Seriously, dude, if you're doing all that stuff already, you're in good shape. Maybe you don't mind having your screen super-dim, and if that's cool with you, great. Me, I like having a bright screen. And I like having a bright screen more than I like getting an extra 30 minutes of battery life. That's just me. Something to think about.
 
brokenbuyer said:
Done.
Can I ask what this does tho? When I delete this app will it goes back to system defaults?
Click to expand...


It only allows the computer to use the integrated graphics card. On the 2011s (atleast on my 15 in) when you use Chrome it uses the discrete and destroys my battery life while browsing (like goes form 8 hours to 4 hours). It also helps on other programs like iphoto and stuff. If you need better graphic performance or use an external display switch it to dynamic switching.
 
brokenbuyer said:
Done.
Can I ask what this does tho? When I delete this app will it goes back to system defaults?
Click to expand...

It doesn't do anything for your computer. You only have one graphics card

akasch said:
It only allows the computer to use the integrated graphics card. On the 2011s (atleast on my 15 in) when you use Chrome it uses the discrete and destroys my battery life while browsing (like goes form 8 hours to 4 hours). It also helps on other programs like iphoto and stuff. If you need better graphic performance or use an external display switch it to dynamic switching.
Click to expand...

only the 15s and 17s have the discrete card

Duke15 said:
How much does battery calibrating help?
Click to expand...

It doesn't help with battery life, it just makes the estimation for how long it will last and what percent is left more accurate as the battery's health changes.
 
So I deleted my post thinking alust's post was mine since we quoted/said almost the same things. LOL

One question was if that program would work for me. I figured that I didn't have another graphics card.
gfxCardStatus deleted.

Anymore tips?
 
Run Windows on it, always improved battery for me. /joking

Seriously though, you seem to be doing almost everything you need to be doing, just make sure not to leave many CPU/GPU intensive tasks running in the background. Games, ect.
 
blueroom said:
How much battery life are you hoping to get? Is it only web browsing you want?
Click to expand...

Not sure. As much as I can get. I do other stuff too. But if I'm offline I want maximum battery to do stuff. (offline work, games, etc).

I'm also pretty sure I'm not getting to the said 7hrs for WiFi browsing.

Yumunum said:
Run Windows on it, always improved battery for me. /joking

Seriously though, you seem to be doing almost everything you need to be doing, just make sure not to leave many CPU/GPU intensive tasks running in the background. Games, ect.
Click to expand...

Hehe.
Thanks.
 
I have a HyperMac 060 portable MBP charger. This is how I extend the runtime. If the MBP is brand new return it and get a refurbished mid 2010 as the C2D seems a little less thirsty than the ix Intels. OR get an iPad for surfing.
 
blueroom said:
I have a HyperMac 060 portable MBP charger. This is how I extend the runtime. If the MBP is brand new return it and get a refurbished mid 2010 as the C2D seems a little less thirsty than the ix Intels. OR get an iPad for surfing.
Click to expand...

I'll pass on returning.
Guess I'm doing the best I can already.

In the future I'll probably get a iSound or HyperMac.
 
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