Managing Power Consumption; Batteries - Gateway Solo 5100 User Manual

56 Using Your Solo 5100 Multimedia Notebook

Managing Power Consumption

A battery-powered session for your notebook is affected by many things such as
using screen savers rather than the suspend function, or playing music CD-ROMs
while using a word processor. If there is no AC power outlet nearby, you will want
to make the battery-powered session last as long as possible. This chapter tells you
how to extend the battery-powered session time by using the following tips or by
changing the power settings in the Power menu.
Some quick tips about conserving battery power include:
If you tend to startup and shutdown several times on one battery charge, use
Suspend instead. Using Resume instead of starting up takes less power.
Remove PC Cards when not in use.
Set battery for maximum battery performance in Settings (see discussion
below).
Dim the display as low as is comfortable.

Batteries

The battery must be installed in the notebook and connected to an AC power
source to charge completely. The battery will charge if your notebook is operating,
as long as the AC adapter is properly connected. The notebook can run on a fully
charged battery for about two hours of normal use before the battery needs
recharging.
Battery status
You can check the battery status using any of several ways.
Position the cursor over the power cord (AC) or battery icon in the lower right
corner of the taskbar. A battery status screen will appear. Moving the cursor
anywhere on the display causes the screen to disappear.
Or, click twice on the power cord or battery icon in the lower right corner of
the taskbar. A more detailed battery status screen will appear. Click on the X in
the upper right corner of the screen to close it.