Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.

Charge Gauge

By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you can check:

Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)

Battery health (check by pressing and holding the status button)

The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).

Check the Battery Charge

To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge.

Check the Battery Health

NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described below and by using the Battery Meter

in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.

To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See Specifications for more information about the battery operating time.

Low-Battery Warning

NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.

By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window. See Configuring Power Management Settings for information about accessing QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.

Conserving Battery Power

Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:

Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.

Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time (see Power Management Modes).

Use the Power Management Wizard to select options to optimize your computer's power usage. These options can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>.

NOTE: See Power Management Modes for more information on conserving battery power.

Power Management Modes

Standby Mode

Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby mode, it returns to the same operating state it was in before entering standby mode.

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Dell PP04X specifications Conserving Battery Power, Power Management Modes

PP04X specifications

The Dell PP04X, commonly known as the Dell Latitude E6420, is a versatile and robust laptop that is designed for business professionals and power users alike. It combines performance, durability, and a wide array of connectivity options, making it a popular choice in the corporate world.

One of the standout features of the PP04X is its solid build quality. The laptop is constructed with a premium aluminum chassis paired with a magnesium alloy frame, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The spill-resistant keyboard provides an added layer of protection against accidental spills, making this device a reliable option for users on the go.

The Dell PP04X is powered by Intel's second-generation Core processors, providing excellent performance for multitasking and demanding applications. With options ranging from Core i3 to Core i7, users can select the level of power they need for their specific tasks. The laptop supports up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, which contributes to its ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously without compromising speed.

In terms of storage, the Latitude E6420 offers various configurations, including traditional hard drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD), allowing users to balance performance and storage capacity based on their requirements. The inclusion of SSD options results in faster boot times and quicker file access, greatly enhancing overall productivity.

The display of the Dell PP04X is another highlight. It features a 14-inch HD screen with anti-glare technology, making it suitable for use in various lighting conditions, whether in a brightly lit office or while traveling. The high-resolution screen ensures crisp visuals, ideal for presentations and detailed graphic work.

Connectivity options on the Latitude E6420 are plentiful, featuring multiple USB ports, an HDMI output, and an ExpressCard slot for expandability. Additionally, users can opt for built-in mobile broadband capabilities to stay connected on the move.

Dell also places a strong emphasis on security in the PP04X. The laptop includes features such as a fingerprint reader, smart card reader, and optional TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for enhanced security, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.

Overall, the Dell PP04X Latitude E6420 is an excellent choice for business users who require a durable and powerful laptop. With its blend of performance, security features, and connectivity options, it is well-suited to meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment. Whether for office use or travel, the PP04X provides a reliable and efficient computing experience.