I Have a Lap Top Computer Question

[Jodi1980]

My daughter just got a lap top and the AC adapter is attached to the plug from the computer and the other end into the wall outlet. Must the adapter always be attached to the computer? Can't the computer be plugged right into the wall without the heavy adapter?

 

[oogieboogie]

No! The adapter controls the fluctuating electricity that runs from the wall to computer and vice versa.

Not to mention there isn't anyway to plug it straight to the wall. The plugs are different.

You can however take it off and run the computer without plugging in. That's what a laptop is for.

 

[Jodi1980]

Thank you! It's just such a heavy piece to move around from her desk to her bed, etc!

 

[Dan Murphy]

If she is using it in bed, or other places, just unplu it, after it is charged, and run on battery. Depending on laptop and usage, she should get anywhere from 90 minutes to maybe 5 hours, a wide spread, but they can last a long time or go quickly, very dependent on how used.

 

[Jodi1980]

Thank you, Dan, that's exactly how I will set it up in her room. Does a battery last a long time?

 

[oogieboogie]

It depends on the make and model. Like Dan says, it could range anywhere from 90 minutes to 5 hrs.

I normally get about 2.5 hours before the battery runs way low and I need a full recharge.

 

[Jodi1980]

Oh, I'm sorry, I meant over the lifetime of the battery!

 

[oogieboogie]

About 400 - 700 charge and discharge cycles. Not to say they can't go more than that.

I had a laptop that I had for 4 years and never once had to change it's battery.

 

[Patch'sD]

I have had a lap top for about three years. I have have used it about 300 days a year. Right now I would say that the battery is about 1.5 hour life, when new it was about three hours

 

[gallaj0]

If she's using it in her room, make sure any vents on the bottom or sides don't get blocked; the laptop can overheat, and that's not good for the chips.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

I'm surprised your charger is that big and heavy.. mine is fairly small, you might want to see if they have a "travel" charger available.
I get about 6-7 hours out of a fully charged battery, my laptop is one of the new "centrino" notebooks that were designed from the ground up for battery life.
A lot of the new ones do have that feature look for a silver sticker that says "intel inside" and centrino mobile technology
you can also get spare batteries and chargers so one can be charging while you are using the other. I carry a spare in my road warrior kit so I'm usually good for 12-14 hours without a recharge!