Tips on how to save on Electricity - Computers : Laptops

Laptops are almost energy efficient already. This is because they are built to run on a battery pack. But of course, CHEAPSKATES like me can squeeze out more energy savings from it.

1. Plug out the Cards
Most laptop owners use PCMCIA devices in their laptops. If you don’t actually use the device that often, you might consider plugging out the PCMCIA cards to reduce power consumption.

2. Disable unused Peripherals in the BIOS
Most older laptops, and some newer ones, have a built-in 56K-modem. If you use your laptop on the road, or if you’re connected to a broadband connection, you obviously don’t need this device. Your laptop’s Internal Floppy drive can also draw as much as 5 watts, even if you don’t use it.

3. Don’t opt for Wi-fi Ready
I am surprised to learn that a laptop’s built-in Wif-fi modem is a huge power hog. Disabled, it can consume 15 Watts, enabled, 16 Watts, and when it is in use, as much as 18 Watts. So it’s better to buy a laptop that doesn’t have a buil-in wi-fi and just buy an external one.

4. Switch off the built-in Speakers
Some laptops have a built-in speaker that has an on/off switch. You can save more power if you turn the speakers off and just use the external speaker connection to connect a headset or a USB powered mini-speaker set. The USB speaker set will consume 5 Watts, but you can easily plug it out if you’re not using the speakers.

5. Use your Laptop’s Built-in Battery Saving Features
Even if it is plugged in. Since Laptops are designed to be used “on the go”, manufacturers often include Power Saving features (aside from the standard Power saving features found on almost all PC’s) such as Processor Power Control, and LCD power adjustment. The processor power control (Like Intel’s Speedstep Technology) is a great feature to use. It “powers down” your processor so that it will use less energy. This is essentially useful if you’re doing tasks that don’t need too much processor power such as writing documents, viewing pictures, or watching a movie.

6. Consider Undervolting
Undervolting is like the reverse of overclocking. You lower the amount of voltage that is supplied to the Laptop’s Processor. For more information about Undervolting CLICK HERE.

For me however, it’s better to use the Power saving Features of your Laptop such as Intel’s Speedstep than undervolting. This is because undervolting, like overclocking, will void your warranty.