IPAQ 5455 Battery Usage (A 7 Minute Study)

[kevhead]

After applying the latest ROM Update for the iPAQ 5455 I noticed an increase in battery life while using the built-in Wireless LAN (FINALLY!). The only problem I had was immediate incompatibility with my wifi stumbler software (WINC and Pocket Warrior).

I found if I installed the previously released Wireless LAN Network Driver update SP1 from HP, all my software worked! BUT... Now the battery life while using WiFi is again diminished.

I have done a small comparison of Battery Life with and without the LAN Driver Update applied and here are my results.


As you will see, the SP1 Driver Update reduces the battery life considerably. In 3 minutes 35 seconds the battery dropped 3 %.

____________________________________________
With SP1 Network Driver update (v. 2.2.2.50)
BAT. % Change Time (m:s)
1% 1:19
2% 2:21
3% 3:35
____________________________________________
Without SP1 Network Driver (v. 2.2.2.36)
BAT. % Change Time (m:s)
1% 2:04
2% 4:15
3% 6:38
____________________________________________


For GRAPH, follow link: http://www.geocities.com/interlync/

NOTES:
Both Battery Tests were done with Backlight on highest level and Wifi Power ON.

The BAT. % Change is the % amount the battery dropped while watching the Battery Meter. From 80% to 79% = 1% Change

The Time is the "LAP" time as the Battery monitor dropped a percent.

Your brother of the battery struggle,

Kevin

[Johan]

Did you try with the 2.00 batterydriver?

[kevhead]

I just applied the battery update once again - I didnt think it would have any effect on this - the update seems to address other issues.

NO EFFECT: Still poor battery life. Results below.

With SP1 Network Driver update & Batt. Driver Update

BAT. % Change Time (m:s)
1% 1:18
2% 2:42
3% 3:56


Im surprised more people have not noticed a difference with the Network Card update applied after the ROM Update. It must have to do with the NDIS drivers using more power or something.


Kevin

[Eitel]

It actually has to do with this:

After installing the SoftPaq, enabling power management will not deliver additional battery life. This SoftPaq is intended to increase WLAN throughput.

Try your test with the iPAQ pre-WLAN update with power management OFF and see if the results are the same.

[kevhead]

No effect. Still the same poor battery life with the Network card update.

[Eitel]

No effect. Still the same poor battery life with the Network card update.

And without the WLAN update and the WLAN power management off?

[kevhead]

The Wireless lan update is what is causing this battery problem.

Now... my wifi and bluetooth wont turn on (Ive done all the batt pull etc.)

Kev