HP dv2500t, discrete or integrated GPU for battery life?

I've been looking to buy a dv2500t for a few weeks and the new GPU has finally come out. It says it has some power saving features on it to extend battery life. Does that mean the discrete graphics card uses less power than the integrated graphics? Or is this just compared to other discrete graphics cards for laptops?

Basically, will upgrading the graphics increase or decrease how long the battery lasts. Thanks.

 

It will decrease battery life. But the upgrade is so cheap, it's definitely worth it if you do any gaming whatsoever.

If you are worried about battery life, get a high capacity 6-cell, and it will probably make up for it. It's cheap as well.

 

Yeah the high capacity 6 cell adds 16% of extra life, which probably counteracts the battery life costs of the discrete graphics.

 

Or go for the 12 cell, which acts as a nice handle and props up the front for more air flow.

 

That's very true... but also know this: that although the 12 cell provides extended battery life, it weighs more. In my opinion it makes a laptop a bit heavy and a bit less portable. I have one, and it's nice not having to plug in all the time, but its not nice lugging my heavy dv4000 all around campus. But if that's not a problem for you, or if you won't be traveling much with it, go for it.

 

anyone know how much extra weight the 12 cell battery adds to your system?

 

It shouldn't be more than an extra pound.

 

But then you don't have to carry an AC Adapter!

 

I get fine battery life with the dv2500 with my 8400GS and high capacity 6 cell. I'd say it's between 2 and 2 1/2 hours battery life at least.