[solved] LM 21.1 twice as power hungry as Window10 on surface pro 7

[sandbagger]

Hi All
I bought a Microsoft surface 7 pro from Amazon and it came with windows 10 ( I think). I decided to try Windows as I hadn't used it since Windows 7 and I was getting about 5 hours usage out of it mostly watching julia language coding videos which are about 30 minutes each. I found out that I still don't like Windows so I installed LM 21.1 alongside Windows ( just in case). The power usage for the same youtube behavior is twice that of Windows. I'm lucky to get 2 hours of usage despite reducing screen brightness to 50% ( as low as is useful). I did NOT install the touchscreen kernel as I bought the Surface for it's weight. I HATE touchscreens

Before I follow the splendid advice of https://christitus.com/laptop-power-management/ I would like to know if there is ANY application that I can load to help me diagnose this issue.

[mikeflan]

I suggest you use powertop and tlp to extend battery runtime.
They aren't enabled or installed by default as not everyone uses a laptop.

[sandbagger]

sorry about the delay in thanking you. I have given up on the POS surface. Worst purchase EVER!!! the blasted touchpad would NOT turn off even when I said to do so when I plugged a mouse in. I'd be typing and the window would go to half screen I could go on but the thing is now a VERY effective coffee cup coaster. I might even drill a few holes in it to make me feel better.
thanks for the tip as I am using a laptop more these days. I LOVE my trusty X1 carbon gen 3.

[revmacian]

.. I might even drill a few holes in it to make me feel better.
thanks for the tip as I am using a laptop more these days. I LOVE my trusty X1 carbon gen 3.

It's a Microsoft product.. that's about all it's good for. Though, do be careful and try not to drill into the battery.. those things don't play nice with some elements.