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14 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, click Start
→
Control Panel
→
Power Options
→
Power Meter.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions.
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.
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, 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 (see "Configuring Power Management
Settings" in your
User’s Guide
)
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 (see "Checking the Battery Charge" on page 15) before you insert the
battery into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery
charge is low
(see "Configuring Power Management Settings" in your
User’s Guide
)
.
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.