Dell Inspiron 3500 User Manual
Page 76
Power Sources: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer
Removing and Installing the Main Battery
Removing and Installing a Second Battery
AC Adapter
The
AC adapter
converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. The AC adapter kit includes two cables: the AC adapter cable and an AC power
cable.
You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off.
The AC adapter works with AC power sources worldwide. However, power connectors vary among countries. Before using AC power in a foreign country, you may
need to obtain a new power cable designed for use in that country.
If you are running your computer on AC power with a battery installed, the AC adapter charges the battery (if needed) and then maintains its charge.
When your computer is turned on, the green power indicator light is constantly lit, which indicates that the system is active. This light is on when the computer is running
either from AC or battery power. If the light is amber-colored, the computer is in Standby mode.
The battery charge indicator LED shows the status of the battery. When the AC adapter is connected to the computer, this light is green. When the battery is charging,
this light blinks slowly. When this light stops blinking and becomes solid green, the battery is fully charged.
Battery
The battery uses lithium ion technology to power the computer when it is not connected to an AC power source. The main battery comes standard with the computer.
To double battery life, you can install an optional second battery in the options bay.
You can expect 2 to 3 hours of battery life with a single fully charged battery and 4 to 6 hours of battery life with two fully charged batteries. A built-in charge gauge
lets you check a battery's charge before you insert it into the computer. The battery's self-test capability alerts you to battery conditions such as low charge.
A number of factors affect
battery operating time
:
l
The power conservation features used
l
The number and type of PC Cards used
l
The kinds of application programs run
l
The capacity of the optional memory module installed (the higher the capacity, the more power used)
l
The use of an internal Zip drive, CD-ROM drive, or DVD-ROM drive, which use more power than a hard-disk drive or a diskette drive
See also
Power Conservation.
Removing and Installing the Main Battery
To remove and install the main battery, perform the following steps:
1. Save any files you have open and exit all application programs.
2. If your computer is operating on battery power, preserve your data by connecting the AC adapter and plugging it into an electrical outlet or by shutting down
your computer from the Start menu.
3. Remove the
main battery
.
Using your index finger, pull the battery bay latch (located on the side of the computer next to the battery bay) toward you. With your thumb, gently push the latch out and back
until the battery pops out. Grasp the battery firmly and slide it out of the battery bay.
4. Install the new battery.
With the battery bay latch released, slide the new battery into the battery bay until it is flush with the computer casing. You cannot fully insert the battery into the computer unless
the battery bay latch is released. Close the battery bay latch by using your index finger to push it toward the front of the computer until it is flush with the computer casing. Using
your thumb, push the battery bay latch in.
5. Turn on the computer.
CAUTION: The AC adapter should be in a ventilated area, such as on a desktop or on the floor, when used to power the computer or charge the
battery. Do not use the AC adapter in a poorly ventilated environment, such as inside a carrying case.
CAUTION: The AC adapter is designed to work only with Dell Inspiron portable computers. Do not use adapters from other computers, and do
not attempt to use this adapter with other computers.
CAUTION: The battery is designed to work with Dell Inspiron 3500 series computers only. Do not use the battery with other computers, and do
not use batteries from other computers in your computer.