The length of time a battery can power your VAIO® notebook computer before needing to be recharged
depends on many factors. In general, notebook computers with the faster processors, larger displays, better
graphic display hardware, and faster optical drives have shorter battery run times than computers with more
modest performance specifications.

Some factors affecting battery run time

Battery run time is affected by processor usage, hard disk drive and optical drive use, the brightness setting of
the LCD screen, and wireless activity. Other factors affecting battery run time include:

❑

When a notebook computer is used continuously for a long time, heat builds up in the computer,
causing the fan to run more and use more power.

❑

Larger LCD screens typically require more power than smaller LCD screens.

❑

Connecting peripheral devices such as USB devices or PC Cards requires more power from a
notebook computer.

❑

Connecting disk drives, such as a floppy disk drives and optical drives (CD or DVD drives), requires
more power from a notebook computer.

❑

Auto-save features of software products such as Microsoft® Word can reduce the usable run time of
batteries by keeping the hard disk drive from shutting down. Reducing the frequency of auto-saves can
improve the usable length of a battery charge by allowing the computer's hard disk drive to shut down
for longer intervals.

Saving battery power when not using your computer

❑

Put your computer into Standby mode. When you temporarily leave your desk, put your computer
into Standby mode. Standby is a power saving mode that retains the computer’s current working state.
To put your computer into Standby mode, click Start, click Power Options, and click Standby. Or
press and hold the FN key, and press the ESC key.

❑

Put your computer into Hibernate mode. When you will not be using your computer for a while, put
your computer into Hibernate mode. Hibernate is a power saving mode that shuts down the computer