Headache said:
My laptop isn't anything remotely high end and struggles with the latest Warcraft expansion.
You mentioned you have a Toshiba satellite? I have one and can see the real-time watts being used. Maybe yours is similar? Here is how to check it if yours is like mine:
1. Go to the lower right corner where it shows your battery/power. Right click.
2. Click on Toshiba eco Utility,
3. From left column, click eco Mode,
4. You will see "current power consumption: in the bottom right in real-time. (usually between 11-14 watts depending which power plan you are using)
5. To save power set to "eco mode" at the top.
6. Next, (OPTIONAL) click on Battery Life Cycle at left column, (Read directions, like discharge at least 50% or something the first time...)
7. Turn on eco charge mode. The battery doesn't fully charge but it's supposed to be better if you are like me and have it plugged in all the time.
Play around with this and you will get it in no time.
I don't know if you already know this, but you can separately from this, select power plans, and I use eco (to saw a little power) or Balanced. That is different than what I just showed you. Let me know if you need help.
I know how it is. I have posted things and people may be trying to help, but they don't read what you FIRST stated. I had the same problem. I told people I have NO money NOW (until after I sell/trade my car and sell my home), but they still tried to get me to buy things. I also told them I knew nothing about the subject f batteries and they gave me extremely complicated (to me) answers. There are some smart ***** here, but there are also some really nice peeps who help (you know who you are)! Just ignore the others! I hope this helps.