I get 2.5 hrs instead of almost 4 on Dell XPS M1330 work time (office apps). SearchFilterHost.exe. takes almost all the time about 50% processor activity even on idle. I have disabled the Windows search function and have now my 4 hrs work time and a significantly cooler machine. What does that SeachFilterHost exe. do and which price will I pay for having disabled it?

MagWiz - SearchFilterHost.exe is the portion of Windows 7 that indexes your hard drive(s). Turning it off would likely mean it will take longer to find files by way of Windows Search facility - and likely would mean, as you've discovered already, your battery will last longer and your lap won't get burned...