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Using a Battery 27
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this chapter, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™
portable computer with the main battery installed at all times. 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.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time a 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. Operating time is significantly
reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
• Using DVD+RW/DVD+R 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. For more information, see the
Dell
Inspiron Help
file. To access the help file, see "Finding Information" on page 9.
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 or after 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 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.