User Manual Part 3

136
Chapter 9: Managing Power
www.gateway.com
Extending battery life
Conserving battery power
While using the battery to power your notebook, conserve power by:
■ Dimming the display as low as is comfortable.
■ Removing PC Cards when you do not need them. Many PC Cards use a
small amount of power while inserted, even if they are not being used.
■ Modifying the Power Management settings for maximum power savings.
For more information, see “Changing automatic power settings in
Windows Me, Windows 98, or Windows 2000” on page 138 or
“Changing power settings in Windows NT” on page 143.
■ Closing the display panel to turn off the display while you are not using
your notebook. The display stays off until you open the panel again.
■ Using Hibernate mode for maximum power savings while the notebook
is not in use. For more information, see “To use Hibernate mode:” on
page 142.
■ Using the CD/DVD drive only when necessary. CD and DVD drives use
a large amount of power.
■ Recharge the battery often, take an extra battery, and fully recharge the
batteries before traveling. For more information, see “Recharging the
battery” on page 131 and “Changing the main battery” on page 132.
Using alternate power sources
To extend battery life, use alternate power sources whenever possible.
■ If traveling internationally, take electrical adapters. Save the battery for
times when you cannot use an AC adapter. If you plan on taking your
AC adapter, also take a single-plug power surge protector.
■ If you will have access to an EmPower™ in-flight power receptacle or an
automobile cigarette lighter, use an airplane/automobile power adapter.
Save the battery for times when you cannot use a power adapter.
■ To find AC power outlets in airports, look for them next to support pillars,
in large areas such as boarding gates, and under banks of telephones.
Solo9550.book Page 136 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM