Battery life on T520

[memilavi]

OK, I did a full system update.

Battery is now 99% full, and according to the meter I have ~6:45 hours left.

However, the numbers in the meter are not consistent - it's changes all the time. It goes to 6:59, the 6:15, 6:30, 6:43, 6:17 etc.

Now (as I type this reply) it became 7:19.

Is that the normal behavior of the meter? Should it take so long before it shows the actual time left?

[ColonelONeill]

The meter generally fluctuates based on how you're using it.

It still looks below normal though...

Get the tool linked here:
http://forums.laptopvideo2go.com/topic/26992-optimus-test-tools-finally-in-users-hands/

See if the NVidia card is always on or something.

(You didn't disable Optimus in BIOS, did you?)

[memilavi]

OK, I ran the tools, and they state my GPU is OFF.

I'm not sure what optimus is, and how can I disable it in the bios... Is it something that can enhance battry time?

[ColonelONeill]

This is certainly bizarre.

What task resident programs do you have? Go to Task Manager's Processes tab and (show processes from all users if the button exists) list the contents. Also look for anything (other than System Idle Process) that is using CPU.

Since the tools report the GPU as being off anyway, then disabling Optimus should have no effect.

[memilavi]

OK, this is getting strange...

After some fiddling around with the battery settings, the green settings (those of Lenovo) displays 9:07 hrs, while Windows settings (the grey, little battery) displays 12:08 hours remaining.

Which one should I believe?

[burgmueller]

Hi all, 

please check my thread (background programs have a strong impact on battery life): 

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-and-newer-T-series/T520-Bad-battery-life-hardware-issue/td-p/4...

Atb, Tobias

[ColonelONeill]

Generally, after a while of consistent usage, the two meters will roughly agree with each other.

Skype and Chrome are two major battery life eaters. You should consider alternate software or avoiding them while on battery power.

[memilavi]

Thanks, it now looks good.

I'll keep in mind what you wrote about battery intensive programs.

Tobias - thanks for your input too.