Hitachi GD8000 User Guide - Page 32

GD8000 User Guide Operating with Battery Power The computer operates on AC or battery power. This section contains the information you need to know to operate the computer on battery power and describes how your computer manages and saves power. Effective use of power management options can greatly conserve and extend your battery life. Be sure to read the Battery Safety and Precautions section. Frequently Asked Battery Questions Does it harm the Li-Ion battery pack to frequently "top off" the batteries? No. Connect the computer to an approved charging source whenever available. What constitutes a charge cycle? A full recharge of the battery to 100%. Where can general battery charge state information be obtained? To see how much power the battery has left, move the cursor over the Power Saver icon ( or ) or DynaPower icon in the System Tray area of the Taskbar. The status will show as a pop-up. What effect will temperature have on battery life and performance? Using the computer at very low temperatures will reduce the battery performance and may decrease how long the battery lasts compared to operation at moderate temperatures. The battery performance will recover when the computer returns to a normal range, around 20°C (68°F). However, storing Li-Ion batteries at low temperatures reduces Li-Ion aging effects. The Battery „„ Employs current battery technology standards. The computer uses a "smart" Lithium-Ion battery to consistently provide the long battery life best suited for mobile users „„ Uses a temperature sensor and memory device to gather and store information about the battery, such as how much charge is left and how many times it has been recharged „„ Warns when the battery charge level is low by sounding an alarm beep or displaying a warning on the screen. If you receive a battery low warning you should save your work and recharge the battery as soon as possible. „„ Use the AC adapter whenever possible and consider carrying an extra fully-charged battery as backup. battery or with a battery that's been stored without being used for a long time. If the computer will be stored for more than two weeks, it is recommended you remove the battery. Battery and Temperature The battery is most efficient at room temperature. It operates in a wide temperature range but the battery capacity is affected by higher or lower temperatures. WARNING Do not expose the battery to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 46ºC (115ºF). This may adversely affect the battery pack. NOTE While the battery may not provide 100% capacity at temperature extremes, its capacity is restored when the battery temperature return to a normal range, around 20°C (68°F). Temperature 0°C (32°F) 20°C (68°F) 45°C (113°F) Approximate Available Capacity 80% 100% 100% Replacing the Battery CAUTION Before removing the battery pack, make sure that you have an AC adapter connected to the computer or a media bay battery installed; otherwise, first turn off the computer. To Remove the Battery: 1. Plug in AC power or turn off the computer. 2. Turn over the computer so you are looking at the bottom. 3. Press and hold down the battery lock in the hinge to unlock the battery. 4. Slide the battery release latches toward the inside of the com- puter to release the battery. 5. Gently slide the battery out of the computer. Using a battery for the first time The first time you use the battery, you should: „„ Connect the AC adapter to the computer and a power source. „„ Calibrate the battery to set the gas gauge to accurately reflect battery capacity. You only need to do this once with a new Battery Release Latches Press down Battery Lock General Dynamics Itronix | 72-0137-003