Checking the battery level | Acer 340 Series instruction

38	2 Operating on battery power

Checking the battery level

The computer features battery-low warning signals that are both audible and visible. When the battery pack is low, the computer emits warning beeps and the battery indicator flashes at regular intervals. Also, you can check the battery charge level using the Windows battery meter.

Using the Windows battery meter

The Windows battery meter indicates the present battery level. Simply rest your cursor on the battery meter (or AC plug) icon on the taskbar to see the present charge level of your battery.

Optimizing battery life

This section helps you get the most out of battery operation. Optimizing battery life prolongs the charge/recharge cycle and improves recharge efficiency. Follow these suggestions to optimize and maximize battery power:

•Purchase an extra battery pack.

•Use Sleep Manager to reserve hard disk space for the Hibernation function. Keep it running in the background to automatically adjust the Hibernation file size. See “Sleep Manager” on page 74.

•Use the AC adapter whenever possible so that the battery is reserved for on- the-go computing.

•Keep the battery pack in the computer powered by the AC adapter. The constant trickle charge maintains the battery level to eliminate the battery self-discharge effect. The charge-in-use function also charges the battery pack.

•Disable the parallel and serial ports if no devices are connected to these ports. You can do this through the BIOS Utility. See “Onboard Devices Configuration” on page 93.

•Eject the PC card from the card slot when not in use, since the PC card draws extra power.

•Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended storage temperature for battery packs ranges from 10 to 30 degrees C. The higher the storage temperature, the faster the battery pack self-discharges.

•The batteries can be recharged about 300 times when used as directed. Excessive recharging decreases battery life.

•Take care of your battery pack and AC adapter. See “Care and maintenance”

Image 56

Acer 340 Series manual Checking the battery level, Optimizing battery life, Using the Windows battery meter

Contents

TravelMate 340 series Page Contents Software Peripherals and optionsMoving with your computer Troubleshooting Appendix a Specifications 109 Index 115Page FCC notice Use conditions Important safety instructions Modem noticesRemarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens CTRPage Lithium battery statement Laser compliance statement Year 2000 compliance statement Macrovision copyright protection notice Xii Connecting the computer PrefacePage Turning off the computer Accessing the online guideGetting help and support Accessing the user’s guide Support information Care and maintenance Taking care of your battery packTaking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adapter Cleaning and servicing Your computer Page Features PerformanceMultimedia Connectivity Human-centric design and ergonomics Expansion Display Getting familiar with your computer Indicators Icon Function Description Keyboard Special keysLock keys Lock key Description Desired access Num lock on Num lock off Embedded numeric keypad Key Description Windows keysHot keys Hot key Icon Function Description Euro symbol Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel Keyboard ergonomics Touchpad Touchpad basics Customizing the center button Function Left button Right Center Button Tap Buttons Connecting and disconnecting the EasyLink Combo Drive StorageHard disk EasyLink Combo Drive Ejecting media Ejecting a floppy disk Region Code Country or Region Playing DVD moviesEjecting the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM tray Region Code Country or Region Peoples Republic of China Port Connects to PortsLeft port Rear ports Icon Port Connects to Fax/data modem Built-in network feature optionUniversal Serial Bus Fast infrared Right ports PC Card slot Inserting a PC Card Ejecting a PC Card Getting familiar with your computer Audio Adjusting the volumeEnabling the 3D effect feature Click 3D Effect to enable the 3D effect feature Click on OK Security keylock notch PasswordsSecuring your computer Entering passwords Setting passwords Message or symbol appears Getting familiar with your computer Power Page Using a battery pack for the first time Battery packBattery pack characteristics Replacing the battery pack Charging the battery Rapid modeCharge-in-use mode Trickle mode Using the Windows battery meter Checking the battery levelOptimizing battery life Battery-low warning Situation Recommended Action An extra fully-charged battery pack available Power management Standby mode Power management modesSleep mode Power management for peripherals Hibernation mode Hard disk standby mode Setting power management schemesDisplay standby mode Options Page Setting up dualview External monitor Printer External serial mouse External pointing deviceExternal PS/2 mouse External USB mouse External keyboard and keypad Audio devices PC Cards USB devices USB video capture kit option Mobile jacket Battery pack External battery chargerMiscellaneous options AC adapter File transfer cable Installing memory Key component upgradesMemory upgrade Hard disk upgrade Installing a replacement hard disk Peripherals and options Computer Page Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computerWhat to bring to short meetings What to bring to long meetingsPage Special considerations Taking the computer homeWhat to bring with you Setting up a home office Traveling with the computer Traveling internationally with the computer Moving with your computer Software Page Page Accessing the Sleep Manager Sleep Manager Click on Start, Programs, Sleep Manager Sleep Manager functions Create Remove Minimize Exit Click on Start, Programs, Notebook Manager Information Viewer CPU Post Boot Sequence There are items in this screen include Password Setting the Power-On Password Setting the Setup Password Power Management Setting advanced features in power management Display Device Bios Utility Using the Bios Utility System Information Parameter Description Basic System Settings Parameter Description Format Parameter Description Options Startup ConfigurationDisabled or Enabled or Onboard Devices ConfigurationSetting the Boot Drive Sequence Serial Port Enables or disabled the serial port System Security Changing a password Setting a passwordRemoving a password Parameter Description Options or Format Hhmmss Load Default Settings Troubleshooting Page Frequently-Asked Questions Nothing appears on the screen Image is not full-screen No audio is heard from the computerKeyboard does not respond Serial mouse does not work Infrared port does not work Want to set up my location to use the internal modemPrinter does not work 104 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting tips Using PC-Doctor Online services Before you call Error messages Error Messages Corrective Action 108 Troubleshooting Specifications Page Microprocessor MemoryData storage Display and video Weight and dimensions TemperatureKeyboard and pointing device Ports Battery pack SystemAC adapter Options 114 Appendix a Specifications Index 116 117 118