Dell Latitude D820: Using a Battery Battery Performance

12

Quick Reference Guide

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, access the 

Control Panel

→

 Power Options

, and 

then click the 

Power Meter

 tab.

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.

Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second 

battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.

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, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB 

devices

•

Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D 

games

•

Running the computer in maximum performance mode

NOTE: 

It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.

You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer (see "Checking the 

Battery Charge" on page 13). 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 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

.