BATTERY PACK

The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges.

Battery pack characteristics

The battery pack has the following characteristics:
• Employs current battery technology standards.
• Delivers a battery-low warning.
The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer. However, recharging with the computer turned off results in a significantly
faster charge time. The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power failure.

Charging the battery

To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can continue to operate your computer on AC power while your battery is charging. However, charging the battery with
the computer turned off results in a significantly faster charge time.

Note: You are advised to charge the battery before retiring for the day. Charging the battery overnight before traveling enables you to start the next day with a fully charged battery.

Conditioning a new battery pack

Before you use a battery pack for the first time, there is a conditioning process that you should follow:
1. Connect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Turn on the computer and operate using battery power.
4. Fully deplete the battery until the battery-low warning appears.
5. Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again.
Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time.

By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to accept the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will prevent you from obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten the effective lifespan of the battery.

In addition, the useful lifespan of the battery is adversely affected by the following usage patterns:
• Using the computer on constant AC power.
• Not discharging and recharging the battery to its extremes, as described above.
• Frequent use; the more you use the battery, the faster it will reach the end of its effective life. A standard computer battery has a life span of more than 1,000 charges.

Optimizing battery life

Optimizing battery life helps you get the most out of battery operation, prolonging the charge/recharge cycle and improving recharging efficiency. You are advised to follow the suggestions set out below:
• Purchase an extra battery pack.
• Use AC power whenever possible, reserving battery for on-the-go use.
• Eject a PC Card if it is not being used, as it will continue to draw power (for selected models).
• Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is 10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to self-discharge faster.
• Excessive recharging decreases the battery life.
• Look after your AC adapter and battery.

Checking the battery level

When using battery power pay attention to the Windows power meter.
Warning: Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. Data will be lost if the battery to become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.