Power save options on laptops

[reddoss]

Does anyone use their laptops in the field on 'low power' when running auto guiding gear? If so how much extra time does it give, and does it affect performance?

I have a HP pavilion laptop which I use in the field to run PhD software, USB power a Mead DSI 2 guide camera and run the Canon Utilities shutter timing program, I can save the battery time a little with this model by adjusting the screen brightness to a very low setting. This gives me just over an hour of battery life with the 'standard' recommended power option. I also have a DC to AC inverter connected to a 17 Amp hr battery, which gives be about a further hour of juice.

I guess the best answer is to get a 100 amp hr leisure battery, but that’s yet even more weight to lug around and yet more expense!

Cheers

[Photosbykev]

I use a Toshiba i7 laptop and use a DC - DC adaptor rather than a DC - AC invertor which I believe is much more efficient and will help increase your external battery life. It also removes the 240v AC from the setup so it is safer.

[bamus]

once everything is set up, switch off screen completely, this will give you huge power saving

[Photosbykev]

once everything is set up, switch off screen completely, this will give you huge power saving

this is normally an option in the power management setup. There is an option to only turn off the screen when the lid is closed, this also has the benefit of keeping the screen dry with the residual heat from the main laptop