How can I optimize Power Management for my X41

[vts]

I have had my X41 for about 1 1/2 years and recently had to replace my 8 cell battery. I was dismayed a couple of months ago when it's capacity reported at 40% and then a few weeks ago when it refused to charge.

After shelling out $130 for a new 8 cell, I am determined to try and optimized the power management. It seems that there me some conflicts between the Windows Power Management and Thinkvantage Power Management and the BIOS Power Settings.

Ideally, I would like the computer to Suspend when I close the lid and then go into hibernation if it isn't reopened within an hour. Though I have set the power schemes to reflect this, it never goes into hibernation. Is it possible for the computer to go into hibernation from suspend. Also, sometimes I get an error, unable to complete the API when the computer seems to try and hibernate... then I have to re-enable the hibernation. I have plenty of space for the page file, so I am unsure why this error occurs... unlesss there is some problem hibernating from a suspended state. Do people think that hibernation should help extend battery life (it seems that suspend results in slow battery drain over time)

Secondly, many people have written that the life expectancy of a Li ion battery can be extended by reducing the charge. There is an option to set custom charging parameters on the Battery Maintainance part of the ThinkVantage Power management. Has anyone reduced the thresholds... say to start charging at 40% and stop at 45%?

Finally, any other suggestions to improve the life span of my battery would be appreciated.

Thanks