Operating on battery power38English Charging the batteryTo charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in thebattery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to amains power outlet. You can continue to operate your computer on ACpower while your battery is charging. However, charging the batterywith the computer turned off results in a significantly faster chargetime.Note: You are advised to charge the battery before retiring forthe day. Allowing the battery to charge overnight beforetraveling enables you to start the next day with a fully chargedbattery.Checking the battery levelThe Windows Power Meter indicates the current battery level. Rest thecursor over the battery/power icon on the task bar to see the battery'spresent charge level.Optimizing battery lifeOptimizing battery life helps you get the most out of batteryoperation, prolonging the charge/recharge cycle and improvingrecharging efficiency. You are advised to follow the suggestions setout below:• Purchase an extra battery pack.• Use AC power whenever possible, reserving your battery for on-the-go use.• Eject a PC card if it is not being used, as it will continue to drawpower.• Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommendedtemperature is 10°C to 30°C. Higher temperatures cause thebattery to self-discharge faster.• Excessive recharging decreases the battery life.• Look after your AC adapter and battery. See, "Taking care of yourAC adapter".