Dell blcwxfg Reference Guide - Page 19

Checking the Battery Charge The following features provide information on the battery charge: • Dell QuickSet Battery Meter • Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and Power icon ( in Windows Vista and in Windows XP) • Battery charge gauge and health gauge • Low-battery warning Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter If Dell QuickSet is installed, press to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer. For more information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet icon in the taskbar, and click Help. Charge Gauge By using the charge gauge on the battery, you can check: • Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button) • Battery health (check by pressing and holding the status button) The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity-or battery health. That is, a battery can show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health). Check the Battery Charge To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has no charge. Quick Reference Guide 19