Using a Battery 45
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Power Meter
The Windows Vista Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To
check the Power Meter, move your cursor over the Power icon in the
Notification area to display the Power icon flyout.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the Power icon flyout
displays the (plugged in charging) message.
Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check
the Power Meter, double-click battery meter icon ( or ) 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.
book.book Page 45 Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:12 PM