Dell Inspiron 510M Owner's Manual

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Dell Inspiron 510M Owner's Manual Manual pdf 35 page image

Using a Battery 35Microsoft® Windows® Power MeterThe Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter,double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information about the Power Meter tab, see"Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.Charge GaugeBefore you insert a battery, press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate thecharge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge.For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If nolights appear, the battery has no charge.Low-Battery WarningNOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning.Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet, or install a second battery in the module bay. If thebattery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.The computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During thattime, the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning meansthat the combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computerenters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level. For more informationabout low-battery alarms and to access "Power Management," see the Dell Inspiron Help file. Toaccess the help file, see page 9.Charging the BatteryNOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with thecomputer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in thecomputer as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer isconnected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. Ifnecessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, thebattery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange.Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery tocool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continuecharging the battery.For more information about resolving problems with a battery, and to access "PowerManagement", see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.D7898bk2.book Page 35 Friday, April 29, 2005 9:39 AM