Power and Power-Up Modes

Monitoring battery capacity

Remaining battery power can be monitored using the following methods.

nClicking the battery icon on the task bar

nVia the Battery Stats in the Windows Mobility Center Window

n You should wait at least 16 seconds after turning on the computer before trying to monitor the remaining operating time. This is because the computer needs this time to check the battery’s remaining capacity and then calculate the remaining operating time, based on this together with the current power consumption.

nPlease be aware that the actual remaining operation time may differ slightly from the calculated time.

nWith repeated discharges and recharges, the battery's capacity will gradually decrease. In view of this it will be noted that an often used, older battery will not operate for as long as a new battery even when both are fully charged.

Maximizing battery operating time

A battery's usefulness depends on how long it can supply power on a single charge.

How long the charge lasts in a battery depends on:

nHow you configure the computer (for example, whether you enable battery power saving options). The computer provides a battery save mode to conserve battery power. This mode has the following options: n Display auto off

n Hard Disk Drive auto off n System auto off

n LCD brightness

nHow often and how long you use the hard disk, optical media drive and the disk drive (if one is connected).

nHow much charge the battery contained to begin with.

nEnabling Sleep Mode or Hibernation Mode conserves battery power if you are frequently turning the computer off and on.

nWhere you store your programs and data.

nClosing the display when you are not using the keyboard saves power.

nOperating time decreases at low temperatures.

nThe condition of the battery terminals. Make sure the battery terminals stay clean by wiping them with a clean dry cloth before installing the battery pack.

User’s Manual

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