Toshiba Satellite A45-S250 Toshiba Online Users Guide for Satellite A40/A45 - Page 123

123 Mobile Computing Monitoring battery power The remaining battery charge is indicated on the top left side of the dialog box. With repeated discharges and recharges, the battery's capacity will gradually decrease. A frequently used older battery will not power the computer for as long as a new battery, even when both are fully charged. TECHNICAL NOTE: The computer drains the battery faster at low temperatures. Check your remaining charge frequently if you are working in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The computer calculates the remaining battery charge based on your current rate of power use and other factors such as the age of the battery. The Windows® operating system has additional power management options that can be accessed through an icon in the Control Panel. For more information, see "Power Management" on page 196. Conserving battery power How long a fully charged battery pack lasts when you are using the computer depends on a number of factors, such as: ❖ How the computer is configured. ❖ How much you use the hard disk, DVD-ROM or multi- function drive, and diskette drives, or other optional devices. ❖ Where you are working, since operating time decreases at low temperatures. There are various ways in which you can conserve power and extend the operating time of your battery: ❖ Enable Standby or Hibernation, which saves power when you turn off the computer and turn it back on again. ❖ Use Toshiba's power-saving options.