Batteries and Power Management Using Battery Power To respond to a low-battery warning The computer automatically alerts you when the battery power drops to a critically low level. The computer first emits a high-pitched beep or displays a warning message. Then, if you do not restore power within a short time, the computer goes into Hibernate mode. Once the computer enters Hibernate mode in this way, you won’t be able to turn it on again until you restore power by doing one of the following: • Replace the battery with a charged one. See “Step 1: Install the battery” on page 20. • Plug in the AC adapter. See “Step 2: Connect AC power” on page 22.
• Install a charged secondary battery in the plug-in module bay. See “To use additional batteries” on page 55. Note If you plug in the AC adapter, you can continue to work while your battery recharges. To recharge the battery CAUTION The AC adapter is normally warm whenever plugged into an AC outlet. The computer is normally warm while recharging. Don’t recharge the computer in a briefcase or other confined space, or its battery could overheat. • To recharge the main battery, plug the AC adapter into the computer. • To recharge a secondary battery, plug the AC adapter into the computer and insert the battery into the module bay.
The main battery will recharge first, then the secondary battery will recharge. To get the longest operating time, wait until the battery’s charge is below 50% before recharging, then charge it fully (100%). Charging can take up to approximately 2 hours. You can continue working while the battery charges. A fully charged battery can operate the computer for up to approximately 4–5 hours, depending on your computer’s model, power management settings, and level of use. To use additional batteries You can install a secondary battery in your computer’s plug-in module bay. See “Using Plug-In Modules” on page 76 for information about installing plug-in modules.
For instructions on replacing the main battery, see “Step 1: Install the battery” on page 20. Reference Guide 55