Dell D520 specifications Conserving Battery Power, Power Management Modes

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Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

Charge Gauge

By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you can check:

•Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)

•Battery health (check by pressing and holding the status button)

The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).

Check the Battery Charge

To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge.

Check the Battery Health

NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described below and by using the Battery Meter

in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.

To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See Specifications for more information about the battery operating time.

Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window. See Configuring Power Management Settings for information about accessing QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.

Conserving Battery Power

Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:

•Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.

•Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time (see Power Management Modes).

•Use the Power Management Wizard to select options to optimize your computer's power usage. These options can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>.

NOTE: See Power Management Modes for more information on conserving battery power.

Power Management Modes

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby mode.

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Contents Dell Latitude D520 Users Guide Abbreviations and AcronymsAbout Your Computer Front ViewDevice status lights Keyboard status lights Audio connectors Left ViewUSB connectors Right ViewBack View Modem connector RJ-11 Network connector RJ-45Video TV-out connector Serial connectorBottom View Back to Contents Cleaning Your Computer AppendixMacrovision Product Notice FCC Notice U.S. OnlyFCC Class B Using a Battery Battery PerformanceChecking the Battery Charge Dell QuickSet Battery MeterConserving Battery Power Power Management ModesConfiguring Power Management Settings Charging the BatteryHibernate Mode Click Start→ Shut Down→ Stand byReplacing the Battery Storing a BatteryUsing Cards Installing a PC Card or ExpressCardCard Types Card BlanksRemoving a Card or Blank ExpressCardUsing the Display Adjusting BrightnessSwitching the Video Image Setting Display Resolution and Refresh RateClick Settings in the Display Properties window Swapping Primary and Secondary DisplaysFinding Information Find It HereGuides Dell Support Website support.dell.comSelect Drivers & Downloads and click Go Windows Help and Support Center Glossary Device driver See driver Docking device See APRPage Page NIC See network adapter Page Video resolution See resolution System tray See notification areaBack to Contents Online Services Getting HelpObtaining Assistance Ftp.dell.comProblems With Your Order AutoTech ServiceAutomated Order-Status Service Support ServiceDiagnostics Checklist Before You CallContacting Dell Antigua and BarbudaArgentina Buenos Aires ArubaAustralia Sydney 0011Canada North York Ontario011 Cayman IslandsDenmark Copenhagen DominicaDominican Republic EcuadorGrenada GuatemalaGuyana Hong KongJamaica Website support.jp.dell.comJapan Kawasaki Korea SeoulMexico MontserratNetherlands Antilles Netherlands AmsterdamSt. Kitts and Nevis St. LuciaSt. Vincent GrenadinesSwitzerland Geneva Taiwan002 Website support.ap.dell.com ThailandA. Austin, Texas Business Virgin IslandsVenezuela Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric KeypadKey Combinations Power Management Touch PadSpeaker Functions Microsoft Windows Logo Key FunctionsCustomizing the Touch Pad Mouse Properties windowUsing Multimedia Adjusting the VolumePlaying a CD or DVD Adjusting the Picture How to Copy a CD or DVDUsing Blank CDs and DVDs Copying CDs and DVDsConnecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device Helpful TipsMedia Type Read Write Rewritable Video and Standard Audio Composite Video and Standard AudioSetting Up the Cyberlink CL Headphones Click the DVD Audio Setting icon Click Device SettingsSetting Up a Network Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband ModemNetwork Setup Wizard Wireless Local Area Network WlanChecking Your Wireless Network Card Setting Up a New WlanConnecting a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem Start Button and Connect To OptionConnecting to a Wireless Local Area Network Determining the Wireless Network Device ManagerUnder Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System Guides Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network Wwan Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network CardConnecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Internet Connection Firewall Adding and Replacing Parts Before You BeginRecommended Tools Turning Off Your ComputerHard Drive Media Bay Returning a Hard Drive to DellRemoving the Device Security Screw Removing and Installing Media Bay Devices Hinge CoverKeyboard Memory Page Wireless Cards Wireless Local Area Network Wlan CardsInternal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology Coin-Cell BatteryBack to Contents Dell QuickSet Passwords Using a Primary/System PasswordSecuring Your Computer Security Cable LockUsing an Administrator Password Using a Hard Drive PasswordComputer Tracking Software If Your Computer Is Lost or StolenBack to Contents System Setup Program Viewing the System Setup ScreensSystem Setup Screens Commonly Used SettingsPerforming a One-Time Boot Changing COM PortsEnabling the Infrared Sensor Locate Fast IR under Onboard DevicesPage Reinstalling Software What Is a Driver?Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities DriversUsing the Drivers and Utilities CD Manually Reinstalling DriversSoftware and Hardware Incompatibilities Click Start→ Help and SupportUsing Microsoft Windows XP System Restore Creating a Restore PointUndoing the Last System Restore Restoring Your Operating SystemUsing the Operating System CD Enabling System RestoreReinstalling Windows XP Before You BeginSpecifications Communications VideoAudio DisplayBattery KeyboardTouch Pad AC AdapterPhysical EnvironmentalDell Latitude D520 Users Guide Traveling With Your Computer Identifying Your ComputerPacking the Computer Travel TipsBack to Contents Troubleshooting Dell Technical Update ServiceDell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsDell Diagnostics Main Menu Option FunctionDrive Problems Accessing the Dell Support UtilityDell Support Utility Clicking the Dell Support IconCD and DVD drive problems Hard drive problemsProblems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding soundMail, Modem, and Internet Problems Error MessagesVerify that the modem is communicating with Windows CD drive controller failure Click Start→ Control Panel→ Add or Remove Programs Ieee 1394 Device Problems Keyboard ProblemsExternal Keyboard problems If you have problems with an Ieee 1394 deviceLockups and Software Problems Unexpected charactersComputer does not start up Computer stops respondingMemory Problems Network ProblemsOther software problems Solid blue screen appearsPC Card or ExpressCard Problems GeneralMobile Broadband Network Restart the computer and log on to the network againPower Problems Ensuring Sufficient Power for Your ComputerDocking Power Considerations Printer Problems Scanner ProblemsAC Power Loss While the Computer Is Docked Docking While the Computer Is RunningSound and Speaker Problems Touch Pad or Mouse ProblemsNo sound from headphones No sound from integrated speakersVideo and Display Problems Check the touch pad settingsIf the display is blank If the display is difficult to readAdjust the Windows display settings If only part of the display is readableClick Start→ Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes Connect an external monitor
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D520 specifications

The Dell D520 is a robust and reliable laptop that was introduced as part of Dell's Latitude series, catering primarily to business professionals and enterprises. Known for its solid build and practical features, the D520 emphasizes productivity and durability in a mobile computing environment.

One of the standout features of the Dell D520 is its comfortable keyboard layout. The full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard offers a tactile feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the touchpad is responsive, enhancing ease of navigation while on the go. The laptop's design prioritizes ease of use, ensuring that users can work efficiently, whether in an office or while traveling.

In terms of hardware, the Dell D520 typically features Intel processors, which provide a balanced mix of performance and power efficiency. This enables users to run multiple applications without significant lag, making it suitable for multitasking. The laptop is also equipped with a decent amount of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for standard business applications and tasks.

The D520 includes various connectivity options, crucial for modern-day professionals. It typically comes with several USB ports, an Ethernet port, and a VGA port for connecting to external displays. There is also the option for Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to connect to networks effortlessly.

One of the key characteristics of the Dell D520 is its durability. The laptop is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and features a sturdy chassis that can handle rough treatment. This durability makes it a favorite among users who need a reliable machine that can endure a busy workday.

The D520 also emphasizes security features that are essential for business users. It includes options for fingerprint readers and smart card readers, allowing users to enhance data protection. This level of security is particularly valuable for professionals handling sensitive information.

Battery life is another important aspect of the Dell D520. With an efficient power management system, users can expect a reasonable battery performance that allows for extended work sessions without needing to recharge frequently.

Overall, the Dell D520 combines practicality, durability, and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for business professionals who require a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. Its balance of features and performance continues to make it a suitable option for users who prioritize functionality and dependability in their computing devices.
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