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. One
battery is supplied as standard equipment.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. 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, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB devices
l Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications
l Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See Configuring Power Management Settings for information about accessing Windows Power
Options Properties or Dell QuickSet, which you can use to configure power management settings.
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer. See Checking the Battery Charge and Inserting the Battery. You can also
set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low. See Configuring Power Management Settings.
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. The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter also provides information on the keyboard battery charge status.
Dell QuickSet Battery Meter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter window. The Battery Meter displays the status, battery health, charge
level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.
For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.
Microsoft Windows Power Meter
NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to an electrical outlet the first time you use the
computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, go to Control
Panel® Performance and Maintenance® Power Options® Power Meter.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to
temperaturesabove65°C(149°F).Keepthebatteryawayfromchildren.Handledamagedorleakingbatterieswithextremecare.Damaged
batteries may leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.
