Toshiba L45 Determining remaining battery power, What to do when the main battery runs low, “Hibernation mode” on page, When the main battery runs low you can:

94	Mobile Computing
	Monitoring main battery power
Determining remaining battery power
NOTE	Wait at least 16 seconds after turning on the computer before trying

to monitor the remaining battery power. The computer needs this time to check the battery’s remaining capacity and perform its calculations.

1Highlight the power icon in the Notification Area. A pop-up message displays the remaining battery power as a percentage.

With repeated discharges and recharges, the battery’s capacity gradually decreases. A frequently used older battery does not power the computer for as long as a new battery, even when both are fully charged.

TECHNICAL NOTE: The computer drains the battery faster at low temperatures. Check your remaining charge frequently if you are working in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The computer calculates the remaining battery charge based on your current rate of power use and other factors such as the age of the battery.

What to do when the main battery runs lowWhen the main battery runs low you can:❖Plug the computer into an external power source and recharge the main battery

❖Place the computer into Hibernation mode and replace the main battery with a charged spare

❖Connect the computer to an optional secondary battery (if available for your computer)

❖Save your work and turn off the computer

If you do not manage to do any of these things before the main battery completely runs out of power, the computer automatically enters Hibernation mode and turns itself off. Hibernation mode keeps track of where you were, so that when you turn on the power again, you can continue where you left off.

If you have Hibernation mode enabled (the default), the computer copies the details of your open programs and files to the hard disk before shutting down. For more information on using Hibernation, see “Hibernation mode” on page 60.