MBP 15" 2011: Battery doesn't last long. Diagnostic?

[erkanasu]

The battery life on my 2011 15" MBP is significantly shorter than my old 13" MBP 2009.

If I do a Skype video conference I get <1hr. For normal computer uses I get what seems like 4-5hours. Is there a diagnostic I can run that will be useful If I take it in to the genius bar to show them?

 

[Macsavvytech]

The battery life on my 2011 15" MBP is significantly shorter than my old 13" MBP 2009.

If I do a Skype video conference I get <1hr. For normal computer uses I get what seems like 4-5hours. Is there a diagnostic I can run that will be useful If I take it in to the genius bar to show them?

No problem with that, you might extend your battery a little bit by calibrating it
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1490
I believe skype loads up the dedicated GPU which would shorten battery life by a lot. If you want to stop this download GFXCardStatus
http://codykrieger.com/gfxCardStatus

 

[MacStar21]

The battery life on my 2011 15" MBP is significantly shorter than my old 13" MBP 2009.

If I do a Skype video conference I get <1hr. For normal computer uses I get what seems like 4-5hours. Is there a diagnostic I can run that will be useful If I take it in to the genius bar to show them?

That sounds fairly normal for a macbook pro, personally my white iMac has a good battery it lasts aslong as the lights are on