Dell Precision M70: Using a Battery
Using a Battery : Dell Precision M70
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Using a Battery
DellPrecision™MobileWorkstationM70User'sGuide
Battery Performance
Checking the Battery Charge
Charging the Battery
Removing a Battery
Installing a Battery
Storing a Battery
Battery Performance
ForoptimalcomputerperformanceandtohelppreserveBIOSsettings,operateyourDell™portablecomputerwiththemainbatteryinstalledatalltimes.Use
a battery to run the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase
operating time.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
l Using optical drives, such as DVD or CD drives
l Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices
l Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games
l Running the computer in maximum performance mode
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.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon, 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 window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.
In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the Battery Meter window includes a Dock Battery tab, which displays the charge
level and current status of the docking device battery.
The following icons appear in the Battery Meter window:
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial 1-year period of the limited warranty for your computer. For more information
about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.
NOTE: Battery capacity (the time it 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.
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 lithium-ion 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
temperaturesabove65°C(149°F).Keepthebatteryawayfromchildren.Handledamagedorleakingbatterieswithextremecare.Damaged
batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.
NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking device does not power the docking device or
computer.
The computer or docking device is running on battery power.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
Microsoft Windows Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information
about the Power Meter tab, see "Power Management."
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
Before you insert a battery, press 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.
Health Gauge
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. To check the battery health, 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 "Specifications" for
more information about the battery operating time.
Low-Battery Warning
A low-batterywarningoccurswhenthebatterychargeisapproximately90percentdepleted.Thecomputerbeepsonce,indicatingthatminimalbattery
operating time remains. During that time, the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery warning means that the combined
charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low level. For
more information about low-battery alarms, see "Power Management."
Charging the Battery
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the
battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an
electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the
computer and the battery to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems."
Removing a Battery
The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is charging.
The computer is connected to AC power and the battery is fully charged.
NOTE: When you press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds, the charge-level lights will first light to display
the current charge status. Then they switch to Health status where they represent incremental degradation when lit.
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
You can also turn the computer off and install a second battery in the module bay. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins
automatically.
NOTE: WithDell™ExpressCharge™,whenthecomputeristurnedofftheACadapterchargesacompletelydischargedbatteryto80percentinabout1
hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer as long
as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the telephone wall jack.
1. Ensure that the computer is turned off and disconnected from the electrical outlet.
2. If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
3. Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then remove the battery from the bay.
Installing a Battery
Ensure that the computer is turned off. Slide the battery into the bay until the latch release clicks.
For information about installing the second battery, see "Using the Module Bay."
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a long storage period,
recharge the battery fully before you use it.
Back to Contents Page
NOTE: For information about removing the second battery, see "Using the Module Bay."
Оглавление
- DellPrecision™MobileWorkstationM70User'sGuide
- About Your Computer
- Appendix
- Alert Standard Format (ASF)
- Using a Battery
- Using the Module Bay
- Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Module Bay Devices
- Cleaning Your Computer
- Using the Dell Diagnostics
- Using the Display
- Reinstalling Software
- Finding Information
- Getting Help
- Glossary
- Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
- Passwords
- Using PC Cards
- Power Management
- Solving Problems
- Dell™QuickSetFeatures
- Adding and Replacing Parts
- Using the System Setup Program
- Using Smart Cards
- Specifications
- Traveling With Your Computer
- Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network
- Using Microsoft®Windows®XP
