How to Maximize Your Linux Laptop’s Battery Life

onebuck · 11-28-2019, 07:48 AM

Hi,

I use my Dell XPS701 Laptop all the time. It is plugged in but I do pull the plug to use the battery periodically. I had to replace the battery this past summer because the battery storage was poor. After using the Laptop for over 5 years and have that battery life then I think that is pretty good.
How to Maximize Your Linux Laptop’s Battery Life

Quote:

Laptop manufacturers spend a lot of time tuning their device drivers for Windows battery life. Linux usually doesn’t get the same attention. Linux may perform just as well as Windows on the same hardware, but it won’t necessarily have as much battery life.
Linux’s battery usage has improved dramatically over the years. The Linux kernel has gotten better, and Linux distributions automatically adjust many settings when you’re using a laptop. But you can still do some things to improve your battery life.

Some good information for Laptop users.

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

jamison20000e · 11-28-2019, 09:14 AM

Good article, thanks.

I saw no mention about SSDs so dug into it finding only some save power...
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/s...p-battery-life

have fun!

onebuck · 11-28-2019, 09:29 AM

Hi,

I switch out my spinning HD with a 'SSD' for reliable service. The power usage is a plus for my systems. Both Desktop & Laptops show that the 'SSD' is a good investment. Life is better with the 'SSD' both in accessibility and life span when setup properly.
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

jefro · 11-28-2019, 03:43 PM

IBM's position (at least was) on a laptop battery is that you should remove it if you use it under AC mostly.

There are plenty of web sites that describe how one might extend the life of this soon to fail item. The battery management part of a laptop isn't in the OS, it's in the battery and the board part that charges it and monitors it.

The OS part could be some of acpi but it doesn't deal with temperature of battery and soc and such.

jamison20000e · 11-29-2019, 08:45 AM

I've liked my (new to me) Thinkpads over the years. Was able to buy extended batteries that hung an extra 3 to 9 cells off the back. It made for a good handle as well as longer life.

Warning, not recommended:
My first thought when needing a battery is always to make my own, with parts of the old. Instead I wind up buying the cheapest, largest one I can find. Somehow it's always worked out well for me?!.