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Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices 27
Using Batteries and Module Bay Devices
Using a Battery
CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures listed below, read and follow the safety
instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
Battery Performance
NOTE: Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial one-year period of the limited
warranty for your computer.
Use a battery to power the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is
supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.
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.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. With average usage, you may
expect from 3 to 4 hours from a single fully charged battery. You can install an optional second
battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more information about the
second battery, see page 31.
NOTE: The module bay in your computer supports a second battery. The Dell D/Bay does not support a
second battery.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.
• Using optical drives, especially DVD and CD-RW 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
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.
NOTE: You can conserve battery life by setting the Maximum Power Savings option for your graphics
card. For more information, see the documentation that came with your graphics card.