I have it on and I really can't tell the difference. I think it only updates when you pull it down to look at it. It doesn't constantly refresh or update in the background.
Could be mistaken though.
"The notification area is programmed appropriately. The notification area does not run in the background and therefore has no effect on battery life. It starts up only when pulled down."
"The notification area is programmed appropriately. The notification area does not run in the background and therefore has no effect on battery life. It starts up only when pulled down."