Tablets have become very vital accessories for almost any individual from any walk of life, arguably more so than mobile phones. Given the number of applications the average table provides its user, it has almost come to a point wherein all someone needs is a tablet that is stacked with the necessary apps in order to function in their day to day life.
One downside to this electronic miracle worker, like every one of its counterparts, is that is relies on batteries to run. Everyone has been in a situation where a dying battery has stood in the way of an otherwise productive period of time. The question now is, how do you manage battery life properly while still maximizing the benefits a tablet can bring? Here are some suggestions on how to do just that:
Smart multitasking
One of the reasons that working with a tablet is so popular is that tablets enable users to multitask. However, this is a bane to a tablet’s battery life. Obviously, the more tasks a device is performing at the same time, the more energy it uses up. Prematurely running out of battery can be avoided by properly managing the tasks your tablet is performing. One way to do this is to properly kill the apps running in the device.
Many people have the habit of merely going back to the home screen when going from one app to another, assuming that just because a particular app is not currently in use, it is no longer running. However, almost all applications, when not properly exited from, merely go into a somewhat inactive mode, meaning they are still technically running, but just happen to be in the background.
Be sure to properly kill the apps you are not using by properly quitting them or using a task killer app. In line with this, it is also advisable that when multitasking, you should only open the apps that are specifically to be used. This prevents unnecessary battery usage.
Turning off unused connectivity functions
For those who also use their tablets to get online, which is most likely everyone, the signal strength of one’s mobile data as well as the Wi-Fi connection can also affect the unnecessary battery usage your tablet goes through. It is highly recommended to switch off the mobile data, particularly when in an area wherein the service signal is not as strong.
When in a location where one’s service provider’s mobile data is not optimum, it requires the device to work harder in order to lock on to whatever signal it can muster. The same goes for a tablet’s Wi-Fi connection. Many people neglect to turn off their device’s Wi-Fi capability, but keep in mind that even though the function is not in use, it still uses up energy. So, if a Wi-Fi signal is not available or required, then it would be best to turn off this function and save on power.
Streamlining tablet functions based on necessity
In line with the suggestion above, tablets usually have a bunch of functions that are not always necessary but for some reason are turned on at the default setting. The GPS function, Bluetooth connectivity, syncing capabilities, and others are all useful functions that most tablets possess, but need not be turned on at all times. Leaving them turned off and activating them only when necessary is a great way to prolong a tablet’s battery life every day.
Trimming down the brightness
A tablet’s display screen actually eats up most of the device’s battery life. Whether the device is used for binge watching YouTube videos, posting photo after photo on Instagram or enjoying the Nook free reading apps for iPad, as long as that screen is lit up, the battery is dying more and more.
Always keep in mind that using the full brightness setting on the tablet requires significantly more power than using the minimal amount, which is why a lot of tablets are configured to lower the brightness level as a power saving option the moment the device has a low battery life. Be sure to adjust the tablet’s brightness setting to the minimum comfortable level based on the specific purpose the device is to be used in order to save on precious power.
Tablets, on average, have batteries that can sustain its life for the majority of a day, but if course, this is always dependent on how responsibly and how frequently a user utilizes the device. For most professionals, their tablet is as much a necessary tool as any, and for a lot of people, a tablet drained of battery at crucial points of their day can negatively affect their lives in a very significant way. By following the suggestions above and constantly looking for more ways to prolong the device’s battery life, the tablet will be a more consistent companion for the professional of the modern world.