Power+and+Charging

Power and Charging
Keeping laptops charged and ready is not an easy problem to solve. Laptops have a limited battery life and power outlets are not always convenient. Here are some aspects of the problem and possible solutions:

__Objective__: To provide sufficient power resources for all day use without overstressing the limitations of power availability and tripping hazards of power adapters. __Limitations__: Battery life is about 3 hours depending on usage patterns, power access is severely limited in most rooms. __Assumptions__: 3 +/- hours per day will be sufficient for the present. Students will not be using laptops all day, in every period. __Possible Problem__s: __Possible solutions__:
 * Late period classes running into insufficient remaining battery power.
 * Tripping hazard of power cords.
 * Students bringing laptops to school not fully charged.
 * Loaner batteries are expensive, difficult to track, and inconvenient to keep charged when not in laptops. Probably not a good option at this time.
 * Surge protector strips may be deployed in classrooms where adequate wall sockets exist to use them. These need to be kept at a minimum and carefully managed to avoid trip hazard.
 * Students will be required to plug in laptops for charging if they are taken home overnight.

__Other schools have used this solution__: When students are allowed to take laptops home, they charge them at home overnight and leave the power adapters at home during the day. This works for them because the laptops are not used more than 3-4 hours per day. It is less bulk and weight to be carried in the laptop backpack. It avoids the issue of power cords in class (limited outlets, trip hazard). What are your comments and thoughts on this approach? (use the discussion tab at the top of this page - must be logged in to comment)

Battery Life
There are several ways to get the maximum use out of your limited battery life:
 * use Sleep mode (instructions to follow...)
 * use Hibernation (instructions to follow...)
 * run the battery down completely before recharging (this helps the battery last longer over time - they eventually wear out and stop holding a charge, but this delays that somewhat)