The battery charges whether the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the computer is off.

Charging may take longer if a battery is new, has been unused for 2 weeks or more, or is much warmer or cooler than room temperature.

To prolong battery life and optimize the accuracy of battery charge displays, follow these recommendations:

●If you are charging a new battery, charge it fully before turning on the computer.

●Charge the battery until the battery light turns off.

NOTE: If the computer is on while the battery is charging, the Power Meter in the notification area may show 100 percent charge before the battery is fully charged.

●Allow the battery to discharge below 5 percent of a full charge through normal use before charging it.

●If the battery has been unused for one month or more, calibrate the battery instead of simply charging it.

The battery light displays charge status:

●Amber: The battery is charging.

●White: The battery is close to full charge capacity.

●Blinking amber: The battery is not charging and has reached a low or critical battery level.

●Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source, the light turns off when the battery is fully charged. If the computer is not plugged into an external power source, the light stays off until the battery reaches a low battery level.

Managing low battery levels

The information in this section describes the alerts and system responses set at the factory. Some low-battery alerts and system responses can be changed in Power Options. Preferences set by using Power Options do not affect lights.

Identifying low battery levels

When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low battery level, the battery light blinks.

If a low battery level is not resolved, the computer enters a critical battery level, and the battery light begins blinking rapidly. If the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer remains briefly in the Sleep state, and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information.

Resolving a low battery level

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level, do not restore power until the power lights turn off.

30 Chapter 6 Power