Dell D5185 manual Checking the Battery Charge

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Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:

•Using CD, DVD, or other optical 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

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into 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 "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.

Checking the Battery Charge

The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge. For information about checking the charge on the optional second battery, see your User’s Guide.

Dell QuickSet Battery Meter

If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F8> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter.

The Battery Meter window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.

NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking device does not power the docking device or computer.

In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the Battery Meter window includes a Dock Battery tab, which displays the charge level and current status of the docking device battery.

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Quick Reference Guide