Batteries and Power Management

Using Battery Power

To get the most from your batteries

Follow these suggestions to make your battery power last as long as possible:

•Plug in the AC adapter, especially when using a CD-ROM or DVD drive, or any external connections such as a PC Card or a modem.

•Set the display brightness to the lowest comfortable level (Fn+F1).

•Put the notebook in Standby whenever you are not using it for a short while.

•Put the notebook in Hibernation whenever you want to save your current session, but will not be using the notebook for a day or more.

•Set the automatic timeout settings to emphasize saving power. If your notebook has a multispeed processor, use the lower speed on battery power (the default settings conserve battery power).

•If your notebook has a wireless on-off button, turn off the wireless function when you are not using it. Press the wireless on-off button so that the light turns off.

•If you have a PC Card such as a network card, remove it when you are not using it. Some PC Cards use significant power even while they are inactive.

•If you work with an application that uses the serial port or a PC Card, exit the application when you finish using it.

•Do not leave batteries unused for long periods. If you have more than one, rotate them.

•If you normally use AC power, make a practice of using the battery as your power source at least once a week.

•Unplug the AC adapter when the notebook is not in use.

•To preserve the life of a battery, be sure to charge it regularly.

•For long-term storage, the battery must be charged 20 percent to 50 percent to minimize capacity loss by self-discharge and to avoid deterioration of battery performance.

•Avoid using or charging batteries at high temperatures.

34 Reference Guide