Using Power Assistant (select models only)

Power Assistant allows you to configure system settings to optimize your computer's power consumption and battery charge. Power Assistant provides tools and information to help you make informed decisions on power management:

Power consumption predictions in hypothetical system configurations

Predefined power profiles

Usage details and graphs showing power consumption trends over time To start Power Assistant when Windows is running:

Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Power Assistant.

– or –

Press fn+f6 (select models only).

For more information about using, configuring, and managing Power Assistant, refer to the Power Assistant software Help.

Using battery power

WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the battery provided with the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.

The computer runs on battery power whenever it is not plugged into external AC power. Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, running programs, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors. Keeping the battery in the computer whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and also protects your work in case of a power outage. If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on external AC power, the computer automatically switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from the computer or an AC power loss occurs.

NOTE: When you disconnect AC power, the display brightness is automatically decreased to save battery life. For information on increasing or decreasing display brightness, refer to the Getting Started guide. Select computer models can switch between graphic modes to increase battery life. For more information, refer to Switching between graphics modes (select models only) on page 32.

Finding additional battery information

Help and Support provides the following tools and information about the battery:

Battery Check tool to test battery performance

Information on calibration, power management, and proper care and storage to maximize battery life

Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity

To access battery information:

Select Start > Help and Support > Learn > Power Plans: Frequently Asked Questions.

Using Power Assistant (select models only) 27