Gateway m500 User Manual

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Managing Power
Read this chapter to learn how to:
■Install and remove the battery
■Recharge the battery
■Manage power usage 

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Chapter 3: Managing Power
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Using the battery
Your notebook’s battery lets you use your notebook without having to plug it 
into an electrical outlet. The battery recharges when the AC adapter is plugged 
into your notebook and an electrical outlet.
The battery has the following characteristics:
■Employs current battery technology standards
The computer uses a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery which does not have the 
memory effect problem of Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Li-Ion 
batteries...

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Using the battery
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Installing the battery
To install a battery:
■Insert the battery at an angle (1), press gently on the battery (2) until it 
clicks into place, then slide the battery lock latch into the locked position 
(3).
WarningDo not expose batteries to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) 
or above 140°F (60°C). This may adversely affect the 
battery. 

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Removing the battery
To remove the battery:
■Slide the battery lock latch into the unlocked position (1), slide and hold 
the battery release latch (2), then lift the battery by using the built-in slot 
in the battery (3) and pull the battery out of the bay (4).
ImportantBefore removing the battery, make sure that you have an 
AC adapter connected to the computer. Otherwise, turn off 
the computer. 

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Using the battery
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Recharging the battery
To charge the battery:
■Install the battery, then plug the AC adapter into your notebook and an 
electrical outlet.
Charging modes
The adapter has two charging modes:
■Rapid mode
Your notebook uses rapid charging when power is turned off and the AC 
adapter is connected to your notebook and an electrical outlet. In rapid 
mode, a fully depleted battery gets 95% charged in approximately 1.5 
hours.
■Charge-in-use mode
When your notebook is in use...

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Optimizing battery life 
Optimizing battery life prolongs the charge/recharge cycle and improves 
recharge efficiency. Follow these suggestions to optimize and maximize battery 
power:
■Purchase an extra battery.
■Use the AC adapter whenever possible so the battery is reserved for 
on-the-go computing.
■Keep the battery in the your notebook when you are using the AC adapter. 
The constant trickle charge maintains the battery level to eliminate the 
battery...

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Using the battery
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The following table shows the recommended course of action to take when you 
encounter a battery-low condition.
Situation Recommended Action
AC adapter and 
electrical outlet 
available1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2 Save all necessary files.
3 Resume work.
Turn off the computer if you want to recharge the 
battery rapidly.
An extra 
fully-charged 
battery available1 Save all necessary files.
2 Close the program.
3 Shut down Windows and turn off you...

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Power management
Your notebook has a built-in power management unit that monitors system 
activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the 
following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard drive, a peripheral device connected 
to the parallel port, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period 
of time (called an inactivity timeout), your notebook stops some or all of these 
devices in order to conserve energy.
Your notebook...

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Using Peripheral
Devices and
Options
Read this chapter to learn how to:
■Connect peripheral devices
■Use hardware options
■Upgrade your notebook 

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Chapter 4: Using Peripheral Devices and Options
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External monitor
You can connect an external monitor to the CRT port. Read the monitor manual 
for additional instructions.
 
Using simultaneous display
Your notebook takes advantage of Windows multi-display capability, allowing 
you to use your notebook for presentation purposes. So whatever is displayed 
in your notebook will likewise be displayed on the other external display.
To use simultaneous display, you can choose to connect...