Dell Precision M2300 User Manual

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Contents

Dell Precision M2300 User Manual Manual pdf 13 page image

Microsoft® Windows® Power MeterThe Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the battery meter icon ( or ) 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, you can check:l Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)l 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 of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose somecharge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show 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 illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light representsapproximately 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 no lightsappear, the battery has no charge.Check the Battery HealthTo check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button 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 original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lightsappear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See Charge Gauge for more information about thebattery operating time.Low-Battery WarningA pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning meansthat the combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at acritically low level.You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window. See Configuring Power Management Settings forinformation about accessing QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.Conserving Battery PowerPerform the following actions to conserve battery power:l Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined by the number of times the battery is used andrecharged.l Place the computer in standby/sleep mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time. See PowerManagement Modes.l Use the Power Management Wizard or the Power Options Properties window to select options to optimize your computer's power usage. Theseoptions can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press .Power Management ModesStandby and Sleep ModeStandby mode (sleep mode in Microsoft Windows Vista®) conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined period ofNOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described below and by using the Battery Meterin Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.NOTICE: 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 media bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.NOTE: See Configuring Power Management Settings for information on conserving battery power.