Using A Battery; Battery Performance - Dell 5160 Owner's Manual

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE:
Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial 1-year period of the limited
warranty for your computer. For more information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the
Product Information Guide or separate paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.
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.
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.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
• Using DVD, DVD-R, and CD-RW drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs
such as 3D games
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Power Management" in the
Dell Inspiron Help file for more information. To access the help file, see page 10.
NOTE:
It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD
or DVD.
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.
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.
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Using a Battery