Using a Battery 41Microsoft® Windows® Power MeterThe Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To checkthe Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar.If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.Charge GaugeBy either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on thecharge gauge on the battery, you can check:• Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)• Battery health (check by pressing and holding the status button)The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it ischarged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose somecharge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status ofcharged but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).Check the Battery ChargeTo check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the batterycharge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light representsapproximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if thebattery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If nolights appear, the battery has no charge.Check the Battery HealthNOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gaugeon the battery as described below and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet.For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the statusbutton on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear,the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of its originalcharge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. Iffive lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and youshould consider replacing the battery. See "Battery" on page 155 for moreinformation about the battery operating time.
