Gateway m520 User Manual

Chapter 5
55


■Checking and recharging the battery
■Recalibrating the battery
■Changing batteries
■Extending the life of the battery 

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Monitoring the battery charge
Your new Gateway notebook is designed to provide an exceptional 
balance of performance and portability. Your notebook uses the latest 
chipset and mobile processor technologies to manage the processor speed 
and power consumption for a greater battery life experience. This design 
provides you with maximum performance when plugged into AC power 
balanced with optimized battery life when on battery power.
Closely monitor the battery charge. When the battery...

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If your battery charge indicator displays what looks like an inaccurate 
charge, you may need to recalibrate the battery. For more information, 
see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 57.
Recharging the battery
The battery recharges while it is installed and your notebook is connected 
to AC power. While the battery is recharging, the battery charge indicator 
turns on and the battery icon in the taskbar has a lightning bolt .
Recalibrating the battery
If your notebook unexpectedly...

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4Completely discharge the battery by doing the following:
aFrom the desktop, right-click on the power icon, then select 
Adjust Power Properties.
bClick the Power Schemes tab.
cClick the arrow button to open the Power Schemes list, then click 
Always On.
dClick the Alarms tab.
eClick to deselect the Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm 
checkboxes. Let the battery drain until your notebook 
automatically turns off.
5After the battery is completely drained, reconnect your...

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Changing batteries
If your notebook is connected to AC power, you can change the battery 
while the notebook is turned on.
Replacing the battery
To replace the battery:
1If your notebook is on and is connected to AC power, go to Step 2.
-OR-
If your notebook is on and is not connected to AC power, save your 
work and turn off your notebook.
2Close the LCD panel.
3Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
WarningDanger of explosion if battery is incorrectly 
replaced.
Replace...

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4Slide the battery lock to the unlock position.
5Slide the battery release latch, then lift the battery out of the bay.
6Place a recharged battery into the bay and press down until it snaps 
into place.
7Slide the battery lock to the lock position. 

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8Turn your notebook over.
9Open the LCD panel and press the power button.
Extending battery life
Conserving battery power
To conserve power while using the battery to power your notebook:
■Dim the display as low as is comfortable.
■Remove PC Cards and IBM Microdrive cards when you do not need 
them. Many PC Cards and Microdrive cards use a small amount of 
power while inserted, even if they are not being used.
■Modify the power management settings for maximum power 
savings.
■Close the...

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■Use the DVD drive only when necessary. These drives use a large 
amount of power.
■Recharge the battery often, take an extra battery, and fully recharge 
the batteries before traveling. For more information, see “Recharging 
the battery” on page 57 and “Changing batteries” on page 59.
Using alternate power sources
To extend battery life, use alternate power sources whenever possible.
■If traveling internationally, take electrical adapters. Save the battery 
for times when you cannot...

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When in Hibernate mode, your notebook saves all memory information 
to the hard drive, then turns the power completely off.
If your notebook is... ...and you want to... ...then
On Enter Standby mode Press FN+F3.
On Enter Hibernate 
mode (must be 
activated)Click Start, then click 
Tu r n O f f C o m p u t e r. Press and hold 
SHIFT, then click Hibernate.
In Standby or 
Hibernate modeExit Standby or 
Hibernate modePress the power button. 

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