Using a Battery 47Using a BatteryBattery PerformanceNOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the ProductInformation Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with yourcomputer.For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings,operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at alltimes. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter toconnect your new computer to an electrical outlet the first time you use thecomputer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter until thebattery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, place the mouse cursor overthe battery icon in the Windows notification area.NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreasesover time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions underwhich it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of yourcomputer.NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outletwhen writing to media.Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operatingtime is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but notlimited to, the following:• Using optical drives.• Using wireless communications devices, ExpressCards, memory cards, orUSB devices.• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications.• Running the computer in maximum performance mode (see "ConfiguringPower Management Settings" on page 50 for information about accessingWindows Power Options Properties or Dell QuickSet, which you can useto configure power management settings).
