Dell Latitude D530: Using a Battery

4

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product

Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with your

computer.

For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings,

operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at all

times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.

NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to

connect your new computer to an electrical outlet the first time you use the

computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter until the

battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, check the Power Meter in

Power Options (see "Accessing Power Options Properties" on page 44).

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can

install an optional second battery in the media bay to significantly increase

operating time.

NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases

over time. Depending on how often the battery is used and the conditions under

which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the life of your

computer.

NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet

when writing to a CD or DVD.

Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations

including, but not limited to, the following:

•Using optical drives.

• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, Express Cards, media

memory cards, or USB devices.

• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-

intensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications.

Using a Battery 39

• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring

Power Management Settings" on page 44 for information about accessing

Windows Power Options Properties or Dell QuickSet, which you can use

to configure power management settings.

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the

computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the

battery charge is low.

CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or

explosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased from

Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery

from other computers with your computer.

CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery

no longer holds a charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency

for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. 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 injury or equipment damage.

Checking the Battery Charge

The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter

window and battery meter icon ( or ), the battery charge gauge and

health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery

charge.

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet

Battery Meter. The Battery Meter displays status, battery health, charge level,

and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the

taskbar, and click Help.

40 Using a Battery

®

®

Microsoft

Windows

Power Meter

The 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 Gauge

By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the

charge gauge on the battery, you can 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 of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some

charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of

charged but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).

Check the Battery Charge

To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery

charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents

approximately 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

lights appear, the battery has no charge.

Check the Battery Health

NOTE: 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 Meter in Dell QuickSet.

For information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.

To 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 lights appear, less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you

should consider replacing the battery. See "Battery" on page 155 for more

information about the battery operating time.

Using a Battery 41