Panasonic U500D user manual Monitoring battery capacity

Power and Power-Up Modes

The Battery indicator may show a rapid decrease in battery operating time when you try to charge a battery under the following conditions:

nThe battery has not been used for a long time.

nThe battery has completely discharged and been left in the computer for a long time.

nA cool battery is installed in a warm computer.

In such case, follow the steps below.

1.Fully discharge the battery by leaving it in the computer with the power on until the power automatically shuts off.

2.Plug in the AC adaptor.

3.Charge the battery until the Battery indicator glows blue.

Repeat these steps two or three times until the battery recovers normal capacity.

Leaving the AC adaptor connected will shorten battery life. At least once a month, run the computer on battery power until the battery is fully discharged, then recharge the battery.

Monitoring battery capacity

Remaining battery power can be monitored using the following methods.

nClicking the battery icon on the task bar

nVia the Windows Mobility Center window

nWait at least 16 seconds after turning on the computer before trying to monitor the remaining operating time. The computer needs this time to check the battery’s remaining capacity and to calculate the remaining operating time, based on the current power consumption rate and remaining battery capacity. The actual remaining operating time may differ slightly from the calculated time.

nWith repeated discharges and recharges, the battery’s capacity will gradually decrease. Therefore, an often used, older battery will not operate for as long as a new battery even when both are fully charged.

User’s Manual 6-7