Using a Battery 39Using a BatteryBattery PerformanceNOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide orseparate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portablecomputer with the battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment inthe battery bay.NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to anelectrical outlet the first time you use the computer. For best results, operate the computer with the ACadapter until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, access the Control Panel, click PowerOptions, and then click the Power Meter tab.NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending onhow often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a newbattery during the life of your computer.Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time is significantlyreduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:• Using optical drives• Using wireless communications devices, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB devices• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs suchas complex 3D graphics applications• Running the computer in maximum performance mode (See "Configuring Power ManagementSettings" on page 43.)NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.You can check the battery charge (see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 40) before you insertthe battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when thebattery charge is low. See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 43 for informationabout accessing QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the batteryonly with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dellcomputer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
