infinitymdm My question is: how do I optimize my Solus install for improved battery life? Tips? Tricks?
A year or so ago, I explored using Solus on a laptop. At that point, I was getting 60-65% of Windows battery life. I decided at that point not to use Solus (or Linux in general) on laptops. When I decided this summer to use laptops as my primary Solus computers, I dug deep, made changes to the system and to the way I use the system, and now am getting 70-75%.
I experimented with both TLP and powertop, didn't see much improvement, but read about issues with those apps and decided to try to do without either. Basically, with the exception of thermald, I use my head to reduce power drain.
Briefly, let me tell you my "tips and tricks":
(1) I don't use Bluetooth, so I disable Bluetooth.
(2) Because I am using a browser most of the time, I focus on setting up my browser (Edge) for maximum efficiency:
(a) "Efficiency Mode" is activated.
(b) I turn off "Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed."
(c) I use "Sleeping Tabs", set to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity.
(d) I keep track of the number of tabs I have open, keeping as few tabs open as conditions warrant.
(e) I avoid "power hog" websites (like AARP's games page) that use a lot of ads when I am on battery.
(f) To the extent that I open "power hog" websites, I shut them down as soon as I am done using them.
(3) I adjust display brightness to the lowest level that works for me in the applicable lighting conditions.
(4) I adjust power settings for battery use to shut down the display quickly and put the computer to sleep quickly.
(5) I set "start up on boot" to open as few apps as I can consistent with my use of the computer.
(6) I take a look at regularly used apps that to find "power saving" options and use those options.
(7) I close apps after I'm done using them to minimize the number of running processes/services.
(8) When I know I'm going to be away from the laptop for 30 minutes or more, I shut it down.
In other words, just a lot of small things. I no doubt have developed other habits that I now use unconsciously and didn't think to list, but the bottom line is that I use my Linux laptops like I used my gas hog 1958 Edsel when I was a teenager, was always short on gas money but wanted to get to town.
