Chapter 17. Extending Battery Life

One of the key features of a notebook PC is its ability to operate on DC power, using an internal battery. Running your notebook on battery power frees you from having to connect to the nearest wall outlet; it lets you take your notebook virtually anywhere—until the battery runs out, that is.

Understanding Battery Capacity

The capacity of a battery—how long it will last on a charge—is determined by the number of cells in the battery. You see, a battery is composed of several individual power cells. These cells are arranged in a series, to maximize the voltage level of the battery as a whole.

The power cells within the battery are controlled by an internal circuit board that regulates both the discharging and ...

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