Toshiba Satellite C50b User Guide

81Mobile Computing
Monitoring battery power
If the AC power light flashes amber during charging, 
either a battery pack is malfunctioning, or it is not 
receiving correct input from the AC power supply.
HINT: Be careful not to confuse the AC power light/
Battery light ( ) and the power button ( ) light.
When the AC power light/Battery light or power button 
light flashes amber, it indicates that the system is 
suspended (using the Windows
® operating system Sleep 
command).
  
(Sample Illustration) Power...

82Mobile Computing
Monitoring battery power
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.
What to do when the main battery runs low
When the main battery runs low you can:
❖Plug the computer into an external power source and...

83Mobile Computing
Monitoring battery power
4Click or touch Change advanced power settings.
The Advanced settings tab of the Power Options 
window appears.
5Double-click or touch 
Battery to display the battery 
options.
  (Sample Image) Advanced settings tab of Power Options 
screen
6Configure the alarm settings to suit your needs.
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...

84Mobile Computing
Monitoring battery power
These power-saving options control the way in which the 
computer is configured. By using them, you can increase the 
length of time you can use the computer before you need to 
recharge the battery.
Microsoft
® has combined these options into preset Power 
Plans. Using one of these power plans lets you choose 
between maximum power savings and peak system 
performance. You may also set individual power-saving 
options to suit your own needs.
The following...

85Mobile Computing
Using the eco power plan
To edit a plan or to edit advanced settings, continue to 
the following steps.
5Click or touch 
Change plan settings to choose the 
plan you want to edit.
This screen allows you to change basic settings.
6Click or touch 
Change advanced power settings to 
access settings for battery notification levels, internal 
storage drive power save time, etc.
You can click or touch the plus signs to expand each 
item and to see what settings are available for each item....

86Mobile Computing
Changing the main battery
Changing the main battery
When your main battery has run out of power, you have two 
options: plug in the AC adaptor or install a charged battery.
If you find that a new battery is needed, contact the location 
where you purchased the computer for more information on 
replacing the battery. Toshiba will not be responsible for any 
product damage, data loss, service, or part replacement 
made necessary by improper installation of a new battery.
If the computer...

87Mobile Computing
Changing the main battery
Removing the battery from the computer
To remove the battery:
1Save your work.
2Turn off the computer, see “To Shut down your 
computer” on page 43.
3Unplug and remove any cables connected to the 
computer, including the AC adaptor.
4Close the display panel and turn the computer upside 
down.
Depending on your model, the battery will either have 
latches or screws, allowing for the removal of the battery.
5Slide the battery release lock to the unlocked...

88Mobile Computing
Changing the main battery
If the battery is leaking or its case is cracked, put on 
protective gloves to handle it, and discard it immediately. 
Always dispose of used battery packs in compliance with 
all applicable laws and regulations. Put insulating tape, 
such as cellophane tape, on the electrode during 
transportation to avoid a possible short circuit, fire or 
electric shock. Failure to do so could possibly result in 
serious injury.
Inserting a charged battery
To insert a...

89Mobile Computing
Taking care of your battery
   
(Sample Illustration) Locking the battery
4Turn the computer right side up.
5Reconnect any cables that were removed in step 3 of 
“Removing the battery from the computer” on page 87.
6Restart the computer.
Taking care of your battery
The following sections offer tips on how to take care of your 
battery and prolong its life.
Safety precautions
Always immediately turn the power off and disconnect 
the power cable/cord plug from the plug socket and stop...

90Mobile Computing
Disposing of used batteries
Maintaining your battery
Fully discharging your battery pack will allow better accuracy 
of the battery meter.
To fully discharge your battery pack:
❖Periodically, disconnect the computer from a power 
source and operate it on battery power until the battery 
pack fully discharges.
❖If you have extra battery packs, rotate their use (for 
models with an accessible battery only).
❖If you will not be using the system for an extended 
period, more than one...