Dell Latitude D531 User Manual

Also see for Latitude D531: Quick reference guide Service manual Quick reference guide User guide Quick reference guide

Contents

30 Using a BatteryCAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, callyour local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of lithium-ion or lithium-polymerbatteries. See "Battery Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate,disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children.Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injuryor equipment damage.Checking the Battery ChargeThe Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and icon, thebattery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the batterycharge.Dell™ QuickSet Battery MeterIf Dell QuickSet is installed, press to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The BatteryMeter displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in yourcomputer.For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar, and click Help.Microsoft® Windows® Power MeterThe Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the 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 the charge gauge on the battery, youcan 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 is charged. After hundreds ofcharge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery canshow a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).Check the Battery ChargeTo check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminatethe charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. Forexample, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lightsappear, the battery has no charge.