Acer TravelMate 7740Z: Battery pack

15

English

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. It is advisable to have an extra fully charged battery pack

available as backup. Contact your dealer for details on ordering a spare

battery pack.

Maximizing the battery's life

Like all other batteries, your computer's battery will degrade over

time. This means that the battery's performance will diminish with

time and use. To maximize your battery's life, you are advised to

adhere to the recommendations set out below.

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 Insert the new battery without turning the computer on.

2 Connect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery.

3 Disconnect the AC adapter.

4 Turn on the computer and operate using battery power.

5 Fully deplete the battery until the battery-low warning appears.

6 Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again.

16

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

English

been used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more

than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the

unit.

Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0°C

(32°F) or above 45°C (113°F). Extreme temperatures may adversely

affect the battery pack.

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 with the battery

inserted. If you want to use constant AC power, you are advised to

remove the battery pack after it is fully charged.

• 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 about 300 charges.

Installing and removing the battery pack

Important! Before removing the battery from the unit, connect

the AC adapter if you want to continue using your computer.

Otherwise, turn off the computer first.

To install a battery pack:

1 Align the battery with the open battery bay; make sure that the

end with the contacts will enter first, and that the top surface of

the battery is facing up.

2 Slide the battery into the battery bay and gently push until the

battery locks in place.

17

To remove a battery pack:

English

1 Slide the battery release latch to release the battery.

2 Pull the battery from the battery bay.

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.

Checking the battery level

The Windows power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the

cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's

present charge level.

Optimising 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 model).

• 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.

18

Battery-low warning

When using battery power pay attention to the Windows power

English

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.

When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of

action depends on your situation:

Situation Recommended Action

The AC adapter

1. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and then

and a power

connect to the mains power supply.

outlet are

2. Save all necessary files.

available.

3. Resume work.

Turn off the computer if you want to recharge the

battery rapidly.

An extra fully

1. Save all necessary files.

charged battery

2. Close all applications.

pack is available.

3. Shut down the operating system to turn off the

computer.

4. Replace the battery pack.

5. Turn on the computer and resume work.

The AC adapter or

1. Save all necessary files.

a power outlet is

2. Close all applications.

unavailable. You

3. Shut down the operating system to turn off the

have no spare

computer.

battery pack.