1 Use the AC adapter!
Make sure you connect your PDA to the AC adapter (or put it in
the cradle) whenever you are close to a power outlet. This will
not only recharge the battery, but also help extend its life.
2 If you don't use it, power it down!
You have the option of setting your device to turn off automatically
after a specific period of time, if you do not use it. The time
can vary from one to five minutes - or more, depending on your brand.
On most PDA's, you can adjust this setting by going to "On
battery power".
3 It doesn't need to be so bright! Adjust it.
A very bright screen consumes a lot of power and it is probably
more than you need. In most cases, you won't even notice the difference
if you adjust the brightness down a little bit. This will work
wonders on your battery though, it won't have to work so hard,
therefore it will last longer! You can adjust this by going to
Start>Settings>System>Backlight>Brightness. Adjust
the bar named "On Battery".
4 Do you really need that backlight on all the time?
As with powering it down, you have the option to have the backlighting
turn off automatically after a certain period of time (if you
don't use it). You can have a lapse time of 10 seconds up to 5
minutes. Go to Start>Settings>System>Backlight>Battery
Power. Check the box labeled "Turn off backlight..."
and select your time.
5 How about those PC and CF cards? Get rid of them when you don't
use them!
If you are not using PC and CF cards, remove them from your system.
This includes file storage cards and I/O cards like modems and
wireless LAN cards.
Moral of the story: set your PDA on the lowest settings (or the
lowest that is comfortable for you). Remove any unused devices,
as they consume power that could be used otherwise.
|