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34 Using a Battery
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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.
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows
Power Meter
window and battery meter
icon ( or ), 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 displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the
battery in your computer.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet 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 battery meter icon ( or ) on the taskbar.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or
pressing and holding
the status button on the charge gauge on the
battery, you can check:
• Battery charge (check by pressing and
releasing
the status button)
• Battery health (check by pressing and
holding
the status button)
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.
That is, a battery can show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).