46 Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices
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Using a Battery

Battery Performance

NOTE: Batteries for
portable computers are
covered only during the
initial one-year period of
the limited warranty for
your computer. For more
information about the
Dell warranty for your
computer, see "Limited
Warranties and Return
Policy" on page 159.
Use a battery to power the computer when the computer is not connected
to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the
battery bay.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. With
average usage, you may expect from 3 to 4 hours from a single, fully charged
battery. You can install an optional second battery in the module bay to
significantly increase operating time. For more information about the
second battery, see "About the Module Bay" on page53.
NOTE: It is
recommended that you
connect your computer to
an electrical outlet when
writing to a CD.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations
including, but not limited to, the following:
• Using optical drives, especially DVD and CD-RW drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other
power-intensive programs, such as 3D games
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode
You can check the battery charge on the bottom of the computer. You can
also set power management options to alert you when the battery charge
is low.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of
fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible
battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed
to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from
other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste.
When your battery no longer holds a charge, call your local waste
disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a
lithium-ion battery. See the battery disposal instructions in
"Battery Disposal" on page 17.