Using the Battery

Your computer uses a smart rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack for power when the AC adapter is not attached to an electrical outlet. The smart battery gives a accurate measurement of the current battery capacity which helps extend operating time by enabling effective power management in operating systems that take advantage of the accurate information supplied by the battery.

Charging the Battery

Your computer’s battery starts charging automatically when you connect the power to the computer and to an electrical outlet. If the computer is off, the battery charges faster than if the computer’s power is on.

Approximate charging times for the Li-Ion battery are

•3 hours with the computer off.

•5 hours with the computer on.

While the battery is charging normally, the battery charge light on the computer is amber (See ”System Status Lights” on page 18 for the location of the battery charge light). When the battery is fully charged, the light changes to green.

When you use a new battery pack for the first time or use a battery after a long period of storage, the initial battery life is shorter than normal. Normal battery life resumes after a few discharge-recharge cycles.

Follow these rules for charging your battery:

•A battery normally discharges power when not used for long periods of time. Be sure to recharge the battery every two months when it is not in use.

•Make it a practice to discharge your battery fully before recharging the battery. This can help extend the life of the battery.

•Do not attempt to charge the battery in temperatures of under 41o F (5o C) or over 95o F (35oC.)

All batteries eventually wear out and lose the ability to hold a charge. You may need to replace your battery pack after a year of average usage.

34 Using the Battery