SLEEP VS. HIBERNATE

Most laptops users ask this question frequently:

What is better for my laptop , a Sleep or a Hibernate?

Windows

Well, the answer is simple : If you want to leave your laptop for a short time (1 minute --> couple of hours) use "SLEEP". On the other hand, use "HIBERNATE" when you're coming back the next day or so.

SLEEP: Turns off all unused devices (wireless, CD/DVD ROM..) and saves energy. Your laptop in this case is ON but with low energy usage.

HIBERNATE:  First you have to know that the RAM in your laptop holds programs that are currently running. When you hibernate your laptop, all data stored on RAM are copied to a system file and stored there. Your laptop is then completely turned off, and when you turn it on a copy of this system file is sent to your RAM so that you won't notice a change.

-Sleep your laptop when you want to use it in a little while.

MAC

-Hibernate your laptop when you want to save all your work but use your laptop later on (next day).

-Turn off your laptop when you no longer need to use it and have nothing to save. 

* Laptops are set by default to hibernate when they are in sleep mode with a low battery percentage.

Take Care of Your LAPTOP'S BATTERY!!

Most people never read the "users manual" that comes in the package with their new electronic device. This leads to misusing the device and results in many problems.

One of the most issues resulting in misusing your device, is the way you deal with the battery.

This article is dedicated for laptops batteries.

To make things easier, your laptop's battery is one of three:

1-Lead Acid Battery.

2-Nickel based Battery (NiCd and NiMH).

3-Lithium-ion Battery (Li-ion, polymer).

Lithium Battery

Check your battery type by reading the description written on the battery itself, or by referring to your users manual. Oh! You lost your user manual, then just go online and check your device's specifications.

I) BATTERY LIFE:

Batteries life varies according to their type, but for the 3 mentioned types a battery will last between 3 & 5 years if treated carefully.

II) CYCLES:

A cycle is defined by draining a fully charge battery(100%->0%) then charging it again.

Each battery has a certain number of cycles. (The number of cycles is also written on your battery).

-Lead Acid:500-800 cycles.

-Nickel Based: 500-1000 cycles.

-Lithium-ion: 500-1000 cycles.

III) DEALING WITH YOUR BATTERY:
A battery has a life and limited number of cycles, but these two factors are not the only reasons that affect the battery's functionality.

Two main reasons are:
a-Charging and discharging your battery:
You have certainly heard a lot of OPINIONS concerning when to recharge your battery.
Some say that you have to completely drain it first, others say that draining your battery harms it.
Well, here is the scientific answer: IT DEPENDS ON THE BATTERY TYPE.
b-Temperature:
Don't keep your battery under too high or too low temperature. This will harm your battery too.
Cold temperature increases internal resistance and diminishes the capacity, while high temperature will speed up the discharging process.



Refer to the table below to get more details about each battery type.