Acer TravelMate 8372Z: Battery pack

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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.

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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. 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.

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To remove a battery pack:

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. 

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Battery-low warning

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.

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

action depends on your situation:

Situation

Recommended Action

The AC adapter 

and a power 

outlet are 

available.

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

connect to the mains power supply.

2. Save all necessary files.

3. Resume work.

Turn off the computer if you want to recharge the 

battery rapidly.

An extra fully 

charged battery 

pack is available.

1. Save all necessary files.

2. Close all applications.

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 

a power outlet is 

unavailable. You 

have no spare 

battery pack.

1. Save all necessary files.

2. Close all applications.

3. Shut down the operating system to turn off the 

computer.