3-6User’s Manual

3.1.4 Checking the Battery Level

The notebook features battery-low warning signals that are both audible and
visible. When the battery pack is low, the notebook emits warning beeps
and the battery indicator flashes at regular intervals. Also, you can check
the battery charge level using the onscreen battery gauge.
Using the Onscreen Battery Gauge
To access the onscreen battery gauge, press Fn-F4. The
battery level icon displays onscreen.
The onscreen battery gauge indicates the present battery level.

3.1.5 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 the Sleep Manager utility to reserve hard disk space for the
hibernation function. See section 5.2.
• Use the AC adapter whenever possible so that the battery is reserved
for on-the-go computing.
• Keep the battery pack in the notebook 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 Setup. See sections 6.4.5. and
6.4.6.