User's Manual

75
Section 7. Managing Batteries and Power
79-0003-003 22 October 1999
• The indicator light may read fully charged, but this does not
necessarily guarantee sufficient capacity. Use the Battery Status
application periodically to check your batterys capacity, and then
recondition it as needed.
• Even the best maintained batteries eventually need to be retired.
They simply degrade from continuous use. Consider replacing your
battery if you are not getting the usage you need from it after
performing a deep cycle discharge.
Tip 2. Conserving power and extending battery life
• Turn off your computer by pressing FN+OFF whenever you are not
using it.
• Make sure your system suspends automatically. PC Cards, custom
applications, or modified system settings can affect this.
• Unplug peripherals and remove peripheral and network PC Cards
when you are not using them.
• If you have a monochrome display, turn off the backlight when you
do not need it.
• If you have a 10.4-inch color display, turn off MaxBright when you
do not need it.
• Use the SCU to set power management options at levels that will
consume the least amount of battery power (see Section 5,
Customizing Settings, for more information).
• Use the AC adapter or vehicle adapter whenever possible.
• Avoid exposing batteries to extremely hot or cold temperatures for
long periods.
• The mobile computer display does not require a screen saver. Using
screen savers consumes valuable battery power and is discouraged
unless the unit is connected to external power and an external
monitor.
• Deep cycle discharge your battery when requested, which may be as
often as 3 months, depending on usage by using the Battery
Maintenance application.
• Store the battery within the recommended temperature range: 10°C
to 30°C (50°F to 86°F).