Upgrade Report
August 31st, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/1/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Upgrade tips, tricks, and how-to's that will help you get the most
from your existing computer gear.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=
KINGSTON
Save 25% on Kingston Memory for Dell PCs and notebooks.Plus free
shipping at www.shop.kingston.com.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/601346/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
August 31st, 2004
Hardware Tips: Maximize Notebook Battery Power
by Contributing Editor Kirk Steers
Sooner or later, every laptop owner asks the same question: How long
will my battery last? For most people, sadly, the answer is the same:
not long enough. But there are plenty of things you can do to get
every last minute of power out of your notebook's battery.
Use Power Management
Judicious use of your notebook's power-management software can
translate into many minutes of extra computing time. If your notebook
comes with a power console applet that lets you create customized
power profiles, use it to adjust the settings until you get the right
mix of functions and battery life. If your laptop doesn't have such a
program supplied by the notebook vendor, use Windows' perfectly
adequate Power Options utility in Control Panel (it's called Power
Management in Windows 98).
Dimmer Is a Winner
A big laptop energy sink is its LCD screen. Reducing the screen's
brightness conserves battery life. For example, when I work on a
red-eye flight, I can squeeze up to 45 additional minutes out my Sony
VAIO notebook by toning down the screen brightness. Most notebooks
have an easy-to-access keystroke sequence, function (Fn) key, or
software utility for adjusting this variable.
If a dim screen is good for battery life, a blank one is better.
Windows' Power Options/Power Management utility lets you tell your
notebook how long to wait before blanking the screen. In Windows XP
and 2000, open Control Panel, select Performance and Maintenance (if
you're in Category view), and click or double-click Power Options. In
Windows 98, open Control Panel and double-click Power Management. On
the Power Schemes tab, choose Portable/Laptop in the "Power schemes"
drop-down menu. In the menu next to "Turn off monitor," choose the
length of time the screen can sit idle before it goes blank. The
shorter the interval, the more power you'll save. The shortest option,
"After 1 min," may drive you nuts, however.
The Power Options and Power Management programs have settings for your
notebook's other big power glutton--the hard drive--as well. Once
again, you'll need to find the setting that works best for you.
Remember to reduce the frequency of auto saves in PIMs, word
processors, and other software; your hard drive may otherwise lose
power-saving sleep.
Make Like a Bear
Most PCs have Hibernate and Suspend modes that are easy to activate
from the keyboard. Check your notebook's documentation for its
setting. Suspend (also called Stand By mode) typically holds your
current information in RAM with a minimum of power, so the system
comes back to life quickly. Hibernate writes everything to disk and
shuts off, so it saves more power than Suspend, although it also makes
reactivating your PC take longer. Still, awakening a hibernating
system is much faster than cold-booting one that has been turned off.
Lean Is Green
To keep your laptop's CPU from doing unnecessary work, shut down any
hardware or software you don't need. Check the icons in your system
tray (on the bottom right near the clock); there's a good chance you
can shut most of these down, though they will likely restart the next
time Windows loads. Browse to "Make Windows Start and Stop the Way You
Want" and scroll down to "Stop Autostart Apps" for instructions on how
to disable programs that start automatically with Windows:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737218/0/
To track the effect that different programs have on the CPU in Windows
2000 and XP, press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to open the Task Manager. Select
the Performance tab to see a handy graph of CPU usage. In Windows 98
and Me, this information resides in System Monitor: Click Start,
Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Monitor to open it.
Disable devices you don't need that may draw a small amount of power
when on but not in use. For instance, if you're on a long flight, you
probably won't use your modem, your network card, your parallel and
serial ports, and possibly your DVD or CD-ROM drive. You can easily
disable all of these in Device Manager. To open Device Manager in
Windows 98 and Me, right-click My Computer and choose Properties,
Device Manager. In Windows 2000 and XP, right-click My Computer and
select Properties, Hardware, Device Manager. To disable a device,
right-click its listing under the appropriate category and choose
Disable.
If you'll be disabling devices regularly, save time by creating a
Windows hardware profile. See Steve Bass's "Who Knew Your ... Could Do
That?" for instructions on how to create profiles in all versions of
Windows:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737219/0/
Carry a Spare
Purchase an extra battery pack, if you can afford it. Expect to pay
$85 to $235, but shop around for bargains. Battery-vendor Web sites
and EBay are good places to start your search.
If you can splurge a bit, you'll get up to three times your current
battery life with the MaxPower 60 Powerpack battery from Lind
Electronics:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737220/0/
The 3-pound MaxPower 60 is only 0.5 inches thick and about the same
width and length as a standard laptop.
Charge Frequently
Carry a battery charger/AC adapter with you on the road, and plug it
in whenever you get the opportunity. If the power adapter that came
with your notebook is too bulky, check out the line of universal power
adapters offered by Belkin and Targus. The adapters are thin and
light, and the Targus model doubles as a charger for your cell phone.
For road warriors and frequent fliers, Targus and Belkin offer power
adapters that plug into 12-volt outlets, such as car lighters. Here's
Targus's list of airlines that offer power connections:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737221/0/
In lieu of a 12-volt adapter, you can use a DC-to-AC converter such as
Belkin's $30 ACAnywhere to plug an AC power adapter directly into a
12-volt outlet. ACAnywhere can run any AC device at up to 140 watts of
power.
You'll find Belkin and Targus online:
Belkin
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/1725/0/
Targus
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737222/0/
More Power Tips
Go unplugged: Remove PC Cards and USB or FireWire devices that you
don't need. If your PC has a built-in wireless card, turn it off or
disable it when not in use.
Improve your memory: Adding more memory to your laptop saves power by
reducing Windows' reliance on the virtual memory swap file on your
hard disk.
Rub it down: Clean your battery's metal contacts every couple of
months with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
Drain it: If you have an old laptop that uses a nickel-metal hydride
battery, completely drain and recharge the battery once a month to
maximize its capacity to hold a charge. Most new laptops use standard
lithium ion batteries that need not be drained to maximize their
chargeability.
Do your homework: If you're in the market for a laptop, you'll get the
best battery life from systems that are based on Intel's Centrino
platform. As with any new technology, however, check the PC World
review before you buy. Graphics chips, peripheral interconnects, and
many other factors can influence notebook battery life. Real-world
results may not mirror the vendor's performance claims.
* Power Pitfall *
I read your article "Get the Hard Drive That's Right for You and Your
PC" [Hardware Tips, June] and was shocked at some of the details you
left out. First, you need a power supply that also has a Serial ATA
power connector. The SATA power connection is not the same as the
standard Molex connection used on a standard IDE drive. An adapter to
convert the standard cable to SATA costs only about $2. In addition,
you mention that the IDE ribbon cables take up a lot of room. In my PC
I use "rounded" IDE cables. They don't use much more room than the
SATA cable does.
--Dominick Meglio, via the Internet
Both are very good points. Power supplies with SATA-compatible
connectors have been in short supply in the past, but they're quickly
becoming much easier to find. And as Meglio says, a SATA power adapter
is cheap and readily available. If you buy a new power supply with a
SATA connector, or a new PC that has a new power supply, find one that
supports 12 volts, 5 volts, and 3.3 volts. Many systems support only
12V and 5V, which is fine for today's SATA hard drives but may not
support future hard-drive designs.
If you're building a PC or if your current machine has problems with
case overheating, rounded IDE cables are definitely worth using.
They're available at computer stores and online for less than $10. On
the other hand, if your system ain't broke, don't fix it.
If you missed my June column, read it here:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737223/0/
* Back Up Your Backup *
If you store critical backups on CD-ROMs, try out CDCheck, an
error-checking and data-recovery utility that's free for consumers.
The program creates error-checking files for a CD, stores them on your
hard drive, and then lets you compare these files with those kept on
your backup CD to ensure that the disc is still readable. If CDCheck
finds evidence of CD damage or corrupted data, it may be able to
recover the lost files. You can download the program from PC World:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737224/0/
Send your tips and questions to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Read Kirk Steers' regularly published "Hardware Tips" columns:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/364751/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Sponsored Downloads:
* DeskTop Author: First Authoring Tool That Creates Try And Buy
E-Books *
With DeskTop Author you can create any type of e-publication including
e-brochures, e-books, digital photo albums, e-cards, digital diaries,
online resumes, quizzes, exams, tests, forms and surveys. Easily turn
your digital Web books into Web pages with no need for HTML, ASP or
other programming knowledge. Version 4 is the Create, Protect and Sell
your e-publication, e-Book and e-Magazine release. With the
all-in-one DRM and Payment Gateway feature it is the world's first DRM
- Payment gateway combination included within a reader and packageable
from a commercially available software. Version 4 also includes a
print screen saver function, allowing you to create page turning
screen saver photo albums, promotional screen savers and so on. As a
bonus, DeskTop Author Version 4 allows you to create editable photo
albums, which means you can create and sell photo albums you design
using the DRM and Payment gateway. Download your free trial of this a
revolutionary product, and save $51.00 with a special coupon for PC
World newsletters subscribers when you decide to purchase.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737166/0/
* Autopilot for Windows XP: Breakthrough Automatic Performance Tuner
*
Running many applications at the same time? Is your video getting
jerky? Bothered by annoying skips of your fave tunes? Is your video
or audio editing bogging XP down? Is your new WinXP machine simply
getting slower? AutoPilotR is a Breakthrough Automatic WinXP
Performance Tuner! It was originally developed to tune multiprocessor
supercomputers, but is now available for WinXP. This is not a 'memory
optimizer' but a real world performance tuner. We have seen a busy
machine's performance go up by as much as 40 percent. (AutoPilot does
not run on Win95/98 or WinME.) The current version of AutoPilot for XP
works fine with the new WinXP Service Pack 2. Special $5.00 discount
coupon for PC World newsletters subscribers.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737167/0/
Check other exclusive discount software offers for PC World
newsletters subscribers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/237749/0/
=====================================================================
Top News From PC World
* The News In Brief
New this month: The body as networking device...and IPaqs abound.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737195/0/
* Will Longhorn's Loss Be Your Gain?
Microsoft's decision to pare back features of the upcoming OS is not
bad news, some say.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737196/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/54/0/
=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Best E-mail Utilities: Find Lost Messages, Improve Outlook
Feeling constrained by Outlook? Encrypt e-mail, locate lost messages,
and kill spam with these programs.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737197/0/
Sam Spade v1.14
Level the playing field against spammers with this network-query suite
of tools.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/516544/0/
PGP Freeware v8.0.3
Encrypt your e-mail messages and ensure they are not intercepted by
snoopers.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/1400/0/
DBXtract v4.50
Extract mail messages from individual DBX files.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737198/0/
OEBackup v2.9.0.3
Free utility may not be pretty, but it backs up OE files and settings.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737199/0/
PocoMail v3.1
Keep your e-mail virus-free with this client.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737200/0/
Mozilla Thunderbird v0.7.1
Download the mail client for Mozilla's browser.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737201/0/
X1
Locate lost files, email messages, attachments and contact
information.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737202/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737197/0/
=====================================================================
* Reviews *
* Top 10 Digital Cameras
This month's only new model, the Canon PowerShot S60, offers a nice
mix of basic and advanced features.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737203/0/
Check the latest prices on Cameras:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/681/0/
* Top 10 17-Inch LCD Monitors
Five newcomers, including Best Buys from LG Electronics and Sharp,
capture spots on this month's chart.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737204/0/
Check the latest prices on Flat Panels/LCD:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/85/0/
* Top Multifunction Printers
The print speeds of both inkjet and laser MFPs impressed us, but copy
and scan speeds--as well as output quality--were mixed.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/737205/0/
Check the latest prices on Printers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/237/0/
See all Reviews:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/86/0/
=====================================================================
* PCWorld.com's New Bargain Finder!
PCWorld.com has launched a new service that offers a daily list of hot
bargains on computer gear, gadgets and other cool stuff. Youll find
deals that combine coupons, rebates, discounts and free shipping.
There are closeouts, price reductions and special offers, all in an
easy-to-scan format. Our deal spotters have a special knack for
finding the products you may want to own at pretty unbelievable
prices. A fresh list of deals is posted every day. Some of these deals
only last a day or two so be sure to come by often; you never know
what youre going to find there.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/516495/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Shop Now Online
*XEROX
Get productivity to burn, without burning a hole in your budget. Enter
to win a 50" HDTV or a Xerox Phaser(R) 8400 Color Printer.
Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/237406/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Picks and Promotions *
* PC World Magazine: Get 15 free Power Guides instantly plus Bonus
CD-ROM!
Get 2 trial issues of PC World--the world's leading monthly computer
publication. Plus, you'll get PC World's 15 Power Guides and Bonus
CD-ROM free when you enter your trial subscription! Order now to
receive this exclusive Power Guide Collection from our award-winning
editors. Here's what you'll get--Upgrading Your PC,
Multimedia/Gaming, PC Hardware, A Trouble-Free PC, Windows XP, The
Internet, Using Windows and more! Don't delay. Order today.
[Note: Adobe Reader version 5 or newer is required to view Power
Guides.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/237590/0/
Or Try PC World in Digital Format. Same Magazine, Now Digital!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/216/0/
* Save 15% on Steve Bass's PC Trouble-shooting Book
O'Reilly and PC World are pleased to present a book by PC World
contributing editor Steve Bass, "PC Annoyances, How to Fix the Most
Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer." PC World newsletter
subscribers get 15% off the cover price, *and* a free Windows Secrets
Super Guide PDF download.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/601321/0/
* Find Hot Spots
Use this free PCWorld.com service to locate Wi-Fi hot spots around the
corner or across the globe. Search by address, browse a map, check
pricing, search the U.S. by Zip Code and more.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/2628/0/
=====================================================================
* Newsletter Subscriber Services *
If you cannot "click" on the links in this newsletter, please try
copying the complete URL and pasting it into your browser's address
field.
--To unsubscribe from this or all newsletters, to sign up for new
newsletters or to change your newsletters format from text-only to
HTML, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/19/0/
--To change the e-mail address to which we send your PC World e-mail
newsletters, please visit our change of address form at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/20/0/
--PC World will occasionally send e-mail announcements of special
deals, new products, and other third party product and service offers
to newsletter subscribers and PCWorld.com Registered Members who have
asked to receive them. To update your preferences and be excluded from
these mailings, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/21/0/
--For a list of all these subscriber services online, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/22/0/
--PCWorld.com Privacy Policy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/146/0/
If you have questions or comments regarding PC World e-mail newsletter
subscriptions, please contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Interested in PC World RSS feeds? Please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208267/21421682/66/0/
PCWorld.com newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet
which are owned and operated by third parties. PC World
Communications, Inc., is not responsible for the availability of, or
the content located on or through, any such third-party site.
2004 PC World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written
permission of PC World Communications, Inc., is prohibited. PC World
is a registered trademark of International Data Group, Inc. All other
trademarks used on PC World and PCWorld.com are the property of their
respective owners. PC World Communications, Inc., 501 2nd St., San
Francisco, CA 94107.
---
You are currently subscribed to upgrade_report_text as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/BCfwlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kumpulan/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
