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Charging a Battery

When the power adapter that came with your computer is connected, the battery recharges whether the computer is off, on, or in sleep. However, the battery recharges more quickly if the computer is off or in sleep. You can monitor the battery charge level using the Battery status icon in the menu bar.

The battery charge level displayed is based on the amount of power left in the battery with the applications, peripheral devices, and system settings (display brightness, Energy Saver settings, and so on) you are currently using. To make more battery power available, close applications and disconnect peripheral devices not in use, and adjust your Energy Saver settings (see the next section).

Battery-Conservation Tips

The amount of work time your PowerBook battery can provide before you need to recharge depends on the applications and peripheral devices you’re currently using and the steps you take to conserve power while you work.

For the best conservation of battery power, do the following:

ÂDisconnect bus-powered USB or FireWire devices when they are not in use.

ÂTurn AirPort off when not in use (use the AirPort status icon in the menu bar).

ÂTurn off the Bluetooth wireless module when not in use.

ÂQuit open applications that you are not using.

ÂRemove CD and DVD discs when they are not in use.

ÂReduce screen brightness using the brightness controls on the PowerBook keyboard.

ÂSet the hard disk to spin down after a short time. In the Energy Saver pane of System Preferences, select the “Put the hard disk to sleep when possible” option.

ÂSet your PowerBook to sleep after inactivity of five minutes or less.

Chapter 3 Using Your Computer

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Apple G4 17-inch manual Charging a Battery, Battery-Conservation Tips