Dell Inspiron 500m - Manual (Page 47)

Usin g B atte rie s a nd Mod ule B ay Dev ice s 47
A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.
The computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During
that time, the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery
warning means that the combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent
depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low
level. For more information on low-battery alarms, see the Tell Me How help file. To access
the help file, see "Accessing Help" on page 86.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with
the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the
battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery internal circuitry prevents the battery
from overcharging.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the
computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and
temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the
battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the
battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery
to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue
charging the battery.
For more information on resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on
page 50.
Removing a Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, read the safety instructions on
page 11.
For more information about removing the second battery, see "About the Module Bay" on
page 51.
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer,
disconnect it from the electrical outlet, and disconnect the modem from the
telephone wall jack.
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