Hitachi GD8000 User Guide - Page 36

GD8000 User Guide Operating with Battery Power „„ Turn off the Wireless LAN when not using it.Turning on the Wireless LAN increases the computer's power requirements. „„ Avoid or minimize using applications that keep the CPU busy a large percentage of the time. The following will help you determine if your system is running such applications: prevent this, shutdown your computer or put it into hibernate (suspend-to-disk) mode before removing your battery „„ If you plan to store your computer for more than a few days, shutdown your computer or put it into hibernate mode. Remove the battery before storing the computer. Identifying power wasting programs To determine if applications or processes are keeping the CPU busy: 1. Start the Task Manager utility.To open Windows Task Manager, right-click an empty space on the taskbar, and then click Task Manager. 2. Select the Performance tab to view running applications, and the Process tab to view running processes. 3. Watch the CPU Usage. It is okay if the processor usage is occasionally 100 percent, but if it is 100 percent most of the time, this may indicate a problem. What to do if applications are keeping the CPU busy „„ If possible, close applications that keep the CPU busy when you are not using them. „„ Turn off or suspend your computer whenever you are not using it. This will help to conserve power. Tip 3. Calibrate your battery Over time the accuracy of the Windows battery gas gauge may be affected by repeated charging and discharging of the battery. Calibrating the battery every 3 or 4 months helps to keep the gas gauge accurate. Refer to Battery Calibration for more information. Tip 4. Get a good charge „„ Your computer will charge more quickly if it is turned off or suspended. „„ In warmer or cooler temperatures the battery can take much longer to fully charge. „„ If your battery is charged in a cold (less than 41°F/5°C) or very warm (greater than 122°F/50°C) environment, it is possible that the Battery LED will indicate that the charge has stopped; however, this does not necessarily mean that your battery is fully charged. Tip 6. Clean terminals Dirty terminals can be a cause of charging problems. Clean battery terminals with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Make sure that the alcohol has evaporated before reinstalling the battery. Tip 7. Storing batteries Stored Li-Ion battery packs gradually deteriorate, particularly if they are not stored in ideal conditions, and their life expectancy decreases. When storing Li-Ion battery packs for extended periods, consider these recommendations: „„ When storing batteries for extended periods store them between 3°C to 7°C (38°F to 45°F) to slow self-discharge and battery aging. If you store batteries at normal ambient temperatures, use the following charging policy to maintain battery pack condition: ƒƒCharge installed batteries every 21 days to maintain their charge capacity ƒƒCharge uninstalled batteries every 6 months. „„ Unused or stored batteries can lose power over time. When you install a battery that has not been used recently, connect external power to the computer and fully charge your battery „„ Fully charged Li-Ion batteries deteriorate faster than partly discharged ones. For ideal storage, charge the battery to 100% and then discharge them to 50% charge before storing. „„ Do not allow stored Li-Ion batteries to discharge completely, as this may permanently damage them. Stored batteries should be recharged to 50% capacity every six months Tip 5. Prevent data loss Follow these guidelines to prevent data loss when removing your battery or storing your computer: „„ You will lose data if you remove the battery while the computer is operating or suspended and AC power is disconnected. To General Dynamics Itronix | 72-0137-003