Your PDA is a valuable tool for mobile work. When the battery begins to fail or has failed, mobile users can be stuck.
For many users, a PDA and the information it contains is vital to staying productive while on the go. Using these devices, we manage our schedules, look up contact information, review important documents, and record data. Battery life is crucial to ensuring this handy device is able to provide the information we need when we need it. Here are a few ways to maximize your PDA’s battery life:
Charge Often
Most PDAs will charge themselves when they’re connected to your computer to synchronize. You can also charge your PDA using an AC or car charger when you’re away from the computer. Because most PDAs today use Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries, you can charge as often as you like without having to worry about the battery developing a “memory.”
Turn Off Communications
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections are very demanding. If you’re not using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, make sure to turn them off so that they are not consuming power by actively searching for new networks or devices in the background.
Disable Remote Synchronization
If you use a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to synchronize your PDA wirelessly, disable remote synchronization, as well as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This will ensure your PDA isn’t wasting power trying to synchronize when you’re out of range.
Close Unnecessary Applications
PDAs running on the Windows Mobile operating system allow applications to run in the background. Although this is handy for users who multitask, it can also require a significant amount of power. Make sure to close applications when you’re not using them if you’re tight on power.
Enable Sleep Mode
Just as your computer will activate a screensaver or turn off after a certain period of inactivity, your PDA can power off or dim the display when you’re not using it. Make sure these settings are enabled and set to appropriate lengths of time to ensure you’re not wasting battery life when your PDA is not in use.
Adjust the Display Brightness
When you are using the PDA, the display can be a battery hog. By lowering the screen’s brightness, you can save a lot of power that would otherwise be wasted.
Turn Off Sounds
Each time your PDA plays a sound to notify you of an event, it consumes battery power. Turn off unneeded audible alarms to conserve power.
Lock the Buttons
To prevent accidental key presses and use of your PDA while you’re carrying it, lock the device. Some PDAs have a lock option directly on the main screen.
Backup for Added Protection
Although we wish power was infinitely available, it’s not. Synchronize your PDA regularly so all of the valuable information it contains is regularly backed up and accessible on your computer. This way, even if power drains completely, you won’t lose access to the information on your device. Here are the steps in brief:
- Use the AC adapter whenever you can. This not only charges the battery but extends the battery life.
- Set your PDA to power down after a set period of inactivity.
- Adjust the brightness of the screen. You don't need it to be 100% bright and it will consume less power.
- Set the backlighting to turn off after a certain period of time.
- Set your PDA on the lowest setting possible when not in use.
- Remove any unused devices such as Compact Flash and PC cards.
- Use alkaline batteries rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries may not be read correctly and the device may shut down without warning.
- Don't overclock your PDA. This will drain the battery faster and may even void your warranty.
How To Extend PDA Battery Life?
