Microsoft battery power flaw
p2p news / p2pnet: Bill and the Boyz have admitted they’re finally getting around to fixing a months-old problem which can cause the batteries on Intel Core Duo-equipped notebooks to drain prematurely.
"A Windows XP SP2-based portable computer uses its battery power more quickly than you expect when a USB 2.0 device is connected," said slashdot in January and, "The faulty driver doesn’t let the notebook enter ’sleep’ states, where the processor is idled to conserve battery power," says the EETimes.
The slashdot article says a Microsoft KB899179 "Partner Only" item dating back to July 12, 2005, reads:
"These sleep states are designed, in part, to save battery power. If an otherwise idle portable computer cannot enter or maintain the processor idle sleep states, the computer uses its battery power more quickly than you expect."
"KB899179 offered a workaround that involved editing the Windows Registry, but Microsoft is now working on a more practical fix that will involve a BIOS update patch," adds the EETimes.
The fault applies to Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, when used with, Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, says slashdot.
Also See:
slashdot – KB Article, January 28, 2006
EETimes – Microsoft working to fix Core Duo battery bug, February 17, 2006
