Dell PP05XB, M1710 Checking the Battery Charge, Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, Charge Gauge

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.

NOTE: Dell QuickSet may not be available on your computer.

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter window. The Battery Meter window displays status, battery health, 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.

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 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.

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Using a Battery