Using The Battery - Lenovo ThinkPad T550 User Manual

Note: Ensure that you perform the actions in the following order:
1. Connect the power cord to the ac power adapter.
2. Connect the ac power adapter to the power connector of the computer.
3. Connect the power cord to an electrical outlet.
Tips on using the ac power adapter
• When the ac power adapter is not in use, disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
• Do not bind the power cord tightly around the ac power adapter transformer pack when it is connected to
the transformer.

Using the battery

When you use your computer away from electrical outlets, you depend on battery power to keep your
computer running. Different computer components consume power at different rates. The more you use the
power-intensive components, the faster you consume battery power.
Spend more time unplugged with ThinkPad batteries. Mobility has revolutionized business by enabling you
to take your work wherever you go. With ThinkPad batteries, you are able to work longer without being tied
to an electrical outlet.
Checking the battery status
The battery status icon in the Windows notification area displays the percentage of battery power remaining.
The rate at which you use battery power determines how long you can use the battery of your computer
between charges. Because each computer user has different habits and needs, it is difficult to predict how
long a battery charge lasts. There are two main factors:
• How much energy is stored in the battery when you begin to work.
• The way you use your computer. For example:
– How often you access the storage drive.
– How bright you make the computer display.
– How often you use the wireless feature.
To check for detailed battery status information, do the following:
• For Windows 7: Start the Power Manager program and click the Battery tab.
• For Windows 8.1: Start the Lenovo Settings program and click Power.
.
Chapter 2 Using your computer
31