Using a battery, Battery performance, Checking the battery charge – Dell Latitude C840 User Manual
Page 23: Power meter, Charge gauge
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
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.
Battery performance varies depending on operating conditions. Your computer typically runs for up to 3 hours with a single, fully charged, 8-cell battery.
Operating time can be reduced when you run power-intensive programs and when you use CD, DVD, or similar drives; PC Cards or Mini PCI cards; and high
display-brightness settings.
You can install an optional second battery in the module bay. With two fully charged batteries, you can double operating time.
into the computer. You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery
charge is
.
Checking the Battery Charge
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.
Power Meter
The Windows power meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the power meter, double-click the
icon on the taskbar. For more information
on the Power Meter tab, see "
Power Management
."
Charge Gauge
Before you
, press the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20
percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery
has no charge.
If the battery detects a fatal internal failure, the lights on each end of the charge gauge start blinking.
NOTE:
Dell recommends using only 4400-mAh (or greater) batteries in this computer.
NOTE:
Dell recommends that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.
CAUTION:
Use only Dell™ battery modules that are approved for use with this
computer. Use of other types may increase the risk of fire or
explosion.
CAUTION:
Do not dispose of your computer's battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery
according to the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged
battery promptly. See "Battery Disposal."
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 60°C (140°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.