Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners » battery

Laptop Battery Life

Rick — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:03:57 +0000

Since laptops now out-sale desktops, I decided to bring this tip out of the archives.

We had a call last weekend, and I get the same question from many laptop users: "Why is the battery life on my laptop so poor?". The biggest reason is that the battery doesn't get enough exercise. Most rechargeable batteries today don't have the memory problem like they did eight and ten years ago. However, unless the battery does get used on occasion, it tends to lose its ability to hold a charge.

Even if you don't take your laptop outside of the home, I recommend that you run your laptop off of the battery at least twice per month. You don't have to drain the battery all the way down (some battery experts say not to let it completely deplete ever), but use it until it's pretty close to empty then plug it back in to recharge. Cycling the charging and depleting of the battery will give your laptop many more productive hours of battery time.

When running from the battery, your laptop will show a little blue battery icon by your clock that shows the approximate batter life remaining. The time shown isn't 100% accurate, but gives you a quick place to eyeball the remaining time you have on your battery.

Are Macintosh computers poised to make a run?

Rick — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:19:29 +0000

JUNE 2008 UPDATE:

I wrote the article below two years ago, ran across it tonight and wanted to write an update to it. At the time I wrote it, I think the now famous Apple and PC guy commercials had just started ramping up and the ominous steps towards Windows Vista were getting closer. My words probably weren't unique at the time, and I don't claim to be a sage, but it is astonishing how much the market has really changed since 2006. Linux continues to make a bigger splash world wide, and I continue to install it on more computers here in Western Colorado. Apple's sales and stock price are literally going through the roof. My Macintosh service calls (mostly for ordering and training...rarely for troubleshooting) continue to escalate as well. Almost 18 months into Windows Vista, I see the machines on only about 10% of my appointment mostly because no one is buying them.

Today, Apple announced their new iPhone version 2.0 will be released in July. Three to four years ago, Microsoft was starting to increase market share of their mobile operating system with their mobile Windows in the smartphone arena. Palm and Blackberry used to dominate that market, but Microsoft was predicted to dominate. Then in June 2007, Apple released the iPhone to extremely positive reviews and cell phone consumers who couldn't get their hands on one fast enough.

Since then, all other smartphone operating systems have take a hit and iPhone users, largely, couldn't be happier. I personally have 5-6 clients who are pretty picky phone users and have owned literally dozens of phones over the years, but say they wouldn't trade their iPhone for anything at the moment. The new iPhone 3G (faster cell speeds) announced today improves on every facet of an already excellent product. The new iPhone 3G will be cheaper, faster, slightly smaller, have a longer battery and talk-time life, offer GPS navigation and incorporate a brand new platform that will allow developers to invent new ways to use this already versatile tool.

What are your thoughts on my older story below and this new story you just read? Also, what do you think of the new iPhone 3G...hype or substance? Leave me a comment below!!

Story below originally posted on 2006-05-09 16:40:45 -0600

I helped a customer configure a new Macintosh laptop today. This was the third time in a

Zonbu – Part II

Rick — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:34:17 +0000

In a post last week, I announced that the first Zonbu computer (that I know of) was coming to Grand Junction. It has indeed arrived, and I am enormously impressed with the machine.

Like all Linux computers, the Zonbu requires a high speed wired or wireless connection to operate. Dial-up users need not apply. The reason for requiring a high speed connection is that Zonbu provides automatic backup of files, automatic security updates, and program updates through the Internet connection. The entire setup of this computer (the laptop Zonbu) went like this:

Opened the box - 30 seconds using my USB Drive/pocket knife
Removed laptop from box - 5 seconds
Removed cellophane from laptop and power cord - 1 minute
Powered on the computer and waited for

Surge protectors provide false sense of security

Rick — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:40:18 +0000

The power went out in part of town last night. Before 10am this morning I had already received two calls from people who were having problems as a result. This seems to happen every time we have a power outage or severe lightning storm. In most cases the computers were on a surge protector when the power went out. I have even seem a few on expensive battery backup systems. The only way to protect your computer is to unplug it from the wall. No one can predict when the power will go out or spike but lightning is a different story. A nice surge protector won't hurt, but it only adds a little more protection.

Canon leaps ahead again in DSLR wars

Rick — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:26:01 +0000

I have made no secret of the fact that when it comes to digital SLRs I prefer Canon over all other brands. I have also backed up my argument with a long list of reasons.

Everytime any other company gets close to Canon, Canon announces a new camera that out paces the competition both in features and price.

Canon did it again this week. They have announced two new digital SLRs, both will make any serious photographer drool unless they are blinded by their loyalty to another brand of camera.

Ubuntu – Day 6

Rick — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 21:54:51 +0000

I didn't use the computer much today, but I need to write a quick blog while I'm working on my Compaq as I sit here and watch my DVR'd "Daily Show" and "Colbert Report" episodes from last week. So, that brings me to tonights word: battery life.

The missing iPhone disclaimer

Rick — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:15:00 +0000

I am throwing this into the newsletter this week. But I will post it here because I spent too much time writing it.

The Apple iPhone came out this Friday. We have taken the opportunity to write up the disclaimer that should appear on the device, but does not.

iPhone – cool because it’s marketed that way

Rick — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:35:03 +0000

I saw an iPhone commercial this weekend. The iPhone is Mac's newest gadget that is being marketed by people who like to all be different in the same way. I can't decide which new product is worse, the iPhone or the Palm Foleo. Perhaps they are equally bad for the same reasons.

Both devices are marketed as the next step in portable data evolution. Both devices make this claim as they are left in the dust by devices without the brand name on the outside that do much more.

The Treo was marketed as a phone first and PDA second. The iPaq was a PDA with phone capabilities. The BlackBerry is a email device with phone and PDA functions.

Getting familiar with your digital camera

Rick — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:32:34 +0000

Although we recently had a class on getting to know your digital camera, many in the group have brand new cameras this time.

Since our meeting this month will focus a lot on the individual cameras that people bring to the meeting most of our notes will be posted after the meeting.

Here are a few items I expect to touch on.

You have a camera, now what?

Once you have the digital camera, you will need a few extras.

A 1 gigabyte memory card
At least one extra change of batteries
A nice padded camera case
A memory card reader

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