But it logs into my network automatically so it has to scan for them....automatically!
That's what logic says.....
Yes, it joins the network you have on your preferred network list. If it doesn't find one available on your preferred network list, it searches for available networks for you to join. Once you've joined a network, it has no need to keep searching, since you've already joined a network. It will not keep searching unless you manually initiate a search by clicking the icon.
test 1: clicked on the icon and noticed it looks for networks in a 10 sec interval (but that doesnt mean it looks for networks when im not clicking it)
If you click and hold the icon, it scans one time and then doesn't scan again unless you release and re-click the icon, initiating another search.
test 2: opened activity monitor and checked for the airport process....then clicked the airport icon and neither cpu or memory usage increases so i think it is always looking for new networks...
Why would you think that it's always searching if you have no evidence to suggest that?
The above proves nothing.
Actually, it does. If it was continually scanning for new networks, the AirPort status would continually show that, rather than only showing it briefly when you click the icon. You haven't provided any evidence to the contrary.
I don't care enough to run measurements on it. I was just saying that I believe the wireless radio does use a measurable amount of battery.
There's no question that WiFi uses battery power. I said the battery power used during a search for a new network uses an infinitesimal amount of power, as it only lasts a few seconds.
