Dell Inspirion, Owner'S Manual

Page: 42 / 149

Using a Battery
41
3
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions at the
beginning of this document.
NOTE:
Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial one-year period of the limited
warranty for your computer. For more information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the
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. Use a battery to run the computer
when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional
second battery in the module bay to significantly increase operating time. For more information
about the second battery, see page 49.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
• Using DVD, DVD-R, and CD-RW drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs
such as 3D games
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode
NOTE:
It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.
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 lithium-ion 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 Disposal."