Tips and Care Instructions

• Tips to ensure optimal battery life
• Use the AC adapter whenever possible, but not all the time. Use the battery on its own as well.
• Set the Windows Power Management settings to maximum savings.
• Lower the brightness setting on the screen backlight.
• Disconnect any unused devices (e.g., modems, wireless LAN cards) when not needed.
• Disable Auto Insert Notification on the CD-ROM.
• Turn off Autosave features.
• Disable automatic formatters, spell checkers, and autorecalculate features.
• Add RAM to lower disk access time.
• If you have a backup battery, use it in rotation with the current battery.
• Use the Suspend or Hibernate feature when taking a break.
• Fully drain and recharge the battery every couple of months, this helps to recalibrate the smart electronics even if the cells are fine.
• Minimize the number of programs running at the same time.
• Check the power save settings under the BIOS. If this is not enabled then the Windows Power Management settings may not work properly.
• If you are taking the battery out to store it, make sure it has atleast 40 - 50% charge. DO NOT fully charge it or discharge it before storage.
• Use smaller programs when possible (e.g., WordPad versus Word).
• Minimize game play and DVD viewing.
• See Duracell's page on general battery care.
• Tips for battery care and use
• A new battery comes in a discharged condition and must be charged before use. Upon initial use (or after prolonged storage period) the battery may require two to three charge/discharge cycles before achieving maximum capacity.
• If the battery is not going to be used for more than a month, it is recommended that it be removed from the device and stored in a cool, dry, clean place.
• A battery will eventually lose its charge if unused. It may therefore be necessary to recharge the battery after a storage period.
• Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect.
• It's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the portable device.
• Do not leave the battery dormant for long periods of time. We recommend using the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If a battery has not been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery break-in procedure described above. See Apple's Battery Care page.
• Battery Dont's
• Do not short-circuit a battery. A short-circuit may cause damage to the battery.
• Do not drop, hit or otherwise abuse the battery as this may result in the exposure of the cell contents, which are corrosive.
• Do not expose the battery to moisture or rain.
• Keep the battery away from fire or other sources of extreme heat. Do not incinerate. Exposure of batteries to extreme heat may result in an explosion.
• Do not throw away or dispose of your battery with household waste. Please recycle all batteries, as they contain chemicals which are harmful to the environment. See our recycling links.
• Do not carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse with metal objects like coins, paper clips and hair pins, etc. This may short circuit the battery, generating high heat.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, or mix different types of batteries. This can cause rupture or leakage, resulting in personal injury or property damage.