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 and battery light locations
Determining remaining battery power
Wait a few moments after turning on the computer before 
trying to monitor the remaining battery power. The 
computer needs this time to check the battery’s 
remaining capacity and perform its calculations.
Move the pointer over the power icon in the notification area, 
see “Finding your way around the desktop” on page 95 for 
more information on the notification area. A pop-up message 
displays the remaining battery power as a percentage.
With repeated discharges and recharges, the battery’s 
capacity gradually decreases. A frequently used older 
battery does not power the computer for as long as a new 
battery, even when both are fully charged.
NOTE
AC power light/Battery lightSystem indicator lights
Wireless indicator light
Front edge of system
NOTE 
						

							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 
recharge the main battery
❖Place the computer into Hibernation mode and replace 
the battery, if applicable, with a charged spare (not 
included with your computer)
❖Save your work and turn off the computer
If you do not manage to do any of these things before the 
main battery completely runs out of power, the computer 
automatically enters Hibernation mode and turns itself off. 
Hibernation mode keeps track of where you were, so that 
when you turn on the power again, you can continue where 
you left off. 
Setting battery notifications
You can set two notifications. Each notification can be set to 
alert you when a specified percentage of remaining battery 
power has been reached. You can also set the computer to 
enter Sleep mode or Hibernation mode or to completely shut 
down when the notification goes off.
To change the default notification settings:
1While on the desktop, click or touch the 
Battery () 
icon in the notification area.
2Click or touch 
More power options.
The Power Options window appears.
3Click or touch 
Change plan settings under the power 
plan to be customized.
The Edit Plan Settings window appears. 
						

							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 configured
❖How much you use the internal storage drive, optical 
disc drive, 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 Sleep or Hibernation, which saves power when 
you turn off the computer and turn it back on again
❖Use the Windows
® power-saving option plans 
						

							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 sections describe how to choose a Power Plan 
and discuss each power-saving option.
Power Plans
You can choose a predefined Power Plan or select your own 
combination of power options. To do this:
1While on the desktop, click or touch the 
Battery () 
icon in the notification area.
2Click or touch 
More power options.
The Windows
® Power Options window appears.
  (Sample Image) Windows® Power Options window
3Select an appropriate plan for your work environment or 
create your own custom plan.
4Click or touch 
Create a power plan in the left pane to 
set up a new plan. 
						

							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.
7Click or touch 
OK to save the plan changes you have 
performed.
Depending on your model, the two power plans eco and 
Balanced are satisfactory for most people and do not need 
to be edited. The eco plan is the best used for maximum 
battery time. The Balanced plan is a compromise between 
battery time and performance. 
Using the eco power plan
This computer is equipped with the eco power plan. 
Operating the computer with this power plan enabled 
reduces electrical power consumption by slightly lowering 
system performance. For example, when this power plan is 
enabled, the brightness of the display is reduced and the 
interval before Sleep mode takes effect is shortened. To 
enable or disable the eco power plan, see “Power Plans” on 
page 84.
The eco Utility
® monitors your power savings from using the 
eco power plan by tracking real-time power consumption 
and accumulated savings over time. To learn how to access 
the utility, see “eco Utility®” on page 105.
For more information on the eco power plan, see the Help 
file in the eco Utility
® window.
NOTE 
						

							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 is leaking or its case is cracked, put on 
protective gloves to handle it.
When your main battery has run out of power, you have two 
options: plug in the AC adaptor or install a charged battery.
Never short circuit the battery pack by either accidentally 
or intentionally bringing the battery terminals in contact 
with another conductive object. This could cause serious 
injury or fire, and could also damage the battery pack 
and computer.
Never expose a battery pack to abnormal shock, 
vibration or pressure. The battery pack's internal 
protective device could fail, causing it to overheat or 
ignite, resulting in caustic liquid leakage, or explosion or 
fire, possibly resulting in death or serious injury.
TECHNICAL NOTE: To avoid losing any data, save your 
files and then either completely shut down your 
computer or put it into Hibernation mode before 
changing the battery. 
						

							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 position, or 
using a small Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screw(s) 
that secure the battery.
   
(Sample Illustration) Unlocking the battery
6Slide and hold the battery release latch to release the 
battery, if applicable.
7Pull the discharged battery out of the computer.
   
(Sample Illustration) Removing the battery
NOTE
Model with latches Model with screwsBattery screws
Model with latches Model with screws 
						

							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 battery:
1Wipe the terminals of the charged battery with a clean 
cloth to ensure a good connection.
2Insert the charged battery into the slot until the latch 
clicks.
The battery pack has been designed so that you cannot 
install it with reverse polarity.
If the battery does not slide into the slot easily, move the 
battery release lock to the unlocked position and try 
again. Do not force the battery into position.
   
(Sample Illustration) Inserting the battery
3Slide the battery release lock to the locked position (if 
applicable), or replace the battery and secure it using the 
screw(s).
Model with latches Model with screws 
						

							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 
using the computer if you observe any of the following 
conditions:
❖Offensive or unusual odor
❖Excessive heat
❖Discoloration
❖Deformation, cracks, or leaks
❖Smoke
❖Other unusual events during use, such as 
abnormal sound
Do not expose the computer to fire. The battery could 
explode
Do not turn on the computer’s power again until an 
authorized Toshiba service provider has checked it for 
safety. Continued use could cause a fire or rupture 
possibly resulting in serious injury or computer failure 
including but not limited to the loss of data.
Model with latches Model with screwsBattery screws 
						

							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 month, remove the battery pack 
(for models with an accessible battery only).
❖Store spare battery packs in a cool dry place out of 
direct sunlight (for models with an accessible battery 
only).
Disposing of used batteries
The life of a battery pack depends on usage. When the 
battery pack needs replacing, the battery light flashes amber 
shortly after you have fully recharged the battery. 
You must discard a battery if it becomes damaged.
Never attempt to dispose of a computer by burning or by 
throwing it into a fire, and never allow exposure to a 
heating apparatus (e.g., microwave oven). Heat can 
cause a computer to explode and/or release caustic 
liquid, both which may possibly cause serious injury.
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.