External power & batteries

"Given my usage pattern - what is the best way to conserve the battery?"

You'll need to re-write that to define what conserve means. It could me how to prolong the run time or make it last longer in storage. Since these have been discussed in "discussions that never die" here's the short answers to both. To prolong the run time, dim the screen, turn off wifi if you don't need it, unplug that USB hard drive and printer. To store the battery, charge it up (yes some say 40% but let's make it easy) and then put it in a air tight bag with desiccant and put it in some fridge (Non freezing, just cold.)

"Will netbooks/laptops work under external power if the battery is removed?"

All do so far.

"If I store the netbook/laptop in the closet, should the battery be removed?"

Not a bad idea. Still like to see air tight bag and desiccant for both devices.
Bob

Thanks R. Proffitt. That answers my question. I was asking how to make it last longer.

I have heard that batteries will wear out after about two or three years of normal use. I don't know is regular use includes external power or not? But heck! - Removing the battery should help insure that the netbook or laptop will fail before I need get a new battery!

Jack