Service Hints & Tips
Extending Your Battery Life
The amount of battery power consumed by your computer depends
on such conditions as the usage frequency, the operating temper-
ature, and the period in storage (if unused). The following tips can
help you to extend the life of your battery:
If your battery is brand new and you are charging it for the first
time, it might not become fully charged due to the characteristics
of the chemicals in the cell. To maximize performance, ensure
that all chemicals in the battery are fully activated by cycling the
battery (fully charge, then fully discharge) three times. This pro-
cedure is also recommended if you stored the battery for a few
months.
Do not charge the battery pack until all of its power is used.
Recharging a battery pack that is not completely discharged can
shorten battery life.
Once you start charging the battery pack, do not use it until it is
fully charged.
Whenever possible, use the ThinkPad battery power-saving
modes:
– standby: The LCD and the hard disk drive are turned off.
– hibernation: All tasks are stopped. The memory data and the
current status of the computer are stored in the hard disk
drive; then the power is turned off.
Decrease the LCD brightness.
Stop the power supply to a serial device if it is not in use.
Remove the battery pack and keep it in a cool place if you will
not be using the computer for a long period.
Ruggedized Mobile Computers
Some professionals work in environments that may require special
ruggedized features to protect their computers from extreme temper-
ature, humidity, and physical punishment. Construction, public
service, distribution, service repair, and utilities are some of the envi-
ronmentally demanding professions that may require rugged mobile
computers that can withstand stresses. For these applications, IBM
offers such computers (not Thinkpad Systems), especially designed
Getting Familiar with Your Computer
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