Super noob question

[Teris]

Lots of threads about battery life where people suggest shutting down Wi-fi and GPS. What does shutting down those things affect on the phone? What does wi-fi do for me when I have an unlimited data plan? Apologies for my ignorance.

 

[eipee73]

Lots of threads about battery life where people suggest shutting down Wi-fi and GPS. What does shutting down those things affect on the phone? What does wi-fi do for me when I have an unlimited data plan? Apologies for my ignorance.

No worries, GPS really is only necessary if you're using an app that NEEDS to know where you are. If you're using a twitter app it doesn't necessarily need to know where you are. Turn-by-turn directions however do need to know your location to accurately give you directions.

Wifi is good to have on if you are on a wireless network as your speeds for internet browsing and downloading will be faster than if you were pulling down from the 3g network. I personally only use my Wifi when I'm at home or at a Starbucks or McDonalds, but have it turned off at all other times as it does nothing but searches for wireless networks and drains the battery.

I would suggest trying out the Power Control widget, it's simple, aesthetically pleasing and very functional for turning these things on and off quickly and easily.

-Eipee73

 

[jamor]

What does wi-fi do for me when I have an unlimited data plan? Apologies for my ignorance.

Young Padawan, wifi uses less battery juice than 3g.

So when you have the chance, use wifi to save battery.

It may also be faster depending on where you are.

 

[eipee73]

Young Padawan, wifi uses less battery juice than 3g.

So when you have the chance, use wifi to save battery.

It may also be faster depending on where you are.

While I agree, I still think it's still a good idea to keep it turned off when you're not around an open (or known secured) wifi connection. Otherwise it will just waste battery searching for networks.

 

[jamor]

I would suggest trying out the Power Control widget, it's simple, aesthetically pleasing and very functional for turning these things on and off quickly and easily.

-Eipee73

^^

You can also go to

1. '+' on home screen
2. 'Add widget'
3. 'Settings'
4. 'mobile network' = 3g, and airplane mode.

Put it on your homescreen or 1 to the left or right, and it takes a swype and a tap to toggle on and off networks and syncing to save battery life when you don't need to be checking email or getting fb updates etc.

Power widget already has toggle wifi, bluetooth, autosync, and brightness setting.