58 Using a Battery
Low-Battery Warning
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a
low-battery warning, then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the
battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.
A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately
90 percent depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery
charge is at a critically low level.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in Dell QuickSet or the
Power Options window (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on
page 60).
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP Battery Meter
The battery meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the
battery meter, double-click the icon in the notification area.
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Vista Battery Meter
The battery meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the
battery meter, double-click the icon in the notification area.
Conserving Battery Power
To conserve battery power on your portable computer, do any of the
following:
• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible; battery life is
largely determined by the number of times the battery is used and
recharged.
• Configure the power management settings using Microsoft Windows
Power Options to optimize your computer’s power usage (see "Configuring
Power Management Settings" on page 60).
• Use the Standby or Sleep Mode power state when you leave the computer
unattended for long periods of time (see "Standby and Sleep Mode" on
page 59).
