Maximize Laptop Battery Life:

1.  Dim your screen
2.  Close unnecessary background program such as ITunes, AvaFind, Google search etc
3.  Cut down external devices such as USB devicces
4.  Run off a hard drive rather than CD/DVD
5.  Use Hibernate not standby
6.  Exercise the Battery: Do not leave a charged battery dormant for long periods of time. Once charged, you should use the battery at least once every two to three weeks.

7.  Ensure the battery contacts are clean:  clean the metal battery contact points with some soft cloth and alcohol?
8.  No Multitasking: Try to reduce the work load of the system when on battery
9.  Fully charging/discharging
10. Use screen savers 'Blank'
11. Turn off bluetooth and wireless devices
12. Install more memory/RAM to make your hard drive not too often spinning
13. Reduce temperatue: If you have your laptop on your lap and it is burning you, you are shorting the battery life and charge-cycle capability because you have interfered with its cooling system.
14. Make sure your battery and charger match and you have a quality charger, since even small differences in output voltage of the charger can have dramatic impact on the lifespan of your battery.