How To Extend Your Smartphone's Battery Life

Dylan Love, On Friday January 7, 2011, 1:11 pm EST

Don't let your smartphone turn into a overpriced paperweight when the battery dies in the middle of the day.

Here are some suggestions to maximize the battery life of your superpowered pocket computer.

They're not always convenient, or easy, but if you're down to 20% power, you might want to use these tricks to save your phone:

• Turn off 3G or 4G. 3G and 4G are your phone's default ways of talking to the internet. Yes, it's fast, but your battery pays the price. Switch it on only when you plan on using a lot of data.

• Turn off Bluetooth. Bluetooth can be one less signal your phone is searching for. Keep it turned off until you need to pair your phone with a computer or wireless headset.

• Disable push notifications. Push capability for smartphone apps and email can drain your battery. Turn them off.

• Keep your screen brightness in check. Make sure your LCD isn't giving you a suntan. It's very possible that this is where most of your battery drain happens.

via ca.finance.yahoo.com