Dell Precision M20 - Manual (Page 12)

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Using a Battery
Dell Precision™ Mobile Workstation M20 User's Guide
Battery Performance
Checking the Battery Charge
Charging the Battery
Removing a Battery
Installing a Battery
Storing a Battery
Battery Performance
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.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second battery in the module bay to significantly increase
operating time.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
l Using optical drives
l Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices
l Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games
l 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 .
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon, 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 window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.
In addition, when your computer is connected to a docking device (docked), the Battery Meter window includes a Dock Battery tab, which displays the charge
level and current status of the docking device battery.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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.
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.
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
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.
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.
NOTE: You can use your docking device to charge a computer battery. However, a battery in a docking device does not power the docking device or
computer.