Using A Battery; Battery Performance - Dell Latitude D631 User Manual

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

NOTE:
For 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. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
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, check the Power Meter in Power Options (see
"Accessing Power Options Properties" on page 35).
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second
battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.
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.
NOTE:
It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the
following:
• Using optical drives.
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, Express Cards, media memory cards, or USB
devices.
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as
complex 3D graphics applications.
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Configuring Power Management
Settings" on page 35 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. 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 battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not
use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION:
Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call
your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery
Product Information Guide
Disposal" in the .
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Using a Battery