Toshiba p205d-s8806 User Guide

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Satellite P200/Satellite Pro P200
6-9
Power and Power-Up Modes
Monitoring battery capacity
Remaining battery power can be monitored using the following methods. 
Clicking the battery icon on the task bar
Via the Battery Stats in the Windows Mobility Center Window
Maximizing battery operating time
A battery's usefulness depends on how long it can supply power on a single 
charge.
How long the charge lasts in a battery depends on:
How you configure the computer (for example, whether you enable 
battery power saving options). The computer provides a battery save 
mode to conserve battery power. This mode has the following options:
Display auto off
Hard Disk Drive auto off
System auto off
LCD brightness
How often and how long you use the hard disk, optical media drive and 
the disk drive (if one is connected).
How much charge the battery contained to begin with.
Enabling Sleep Mode or Hibernation Mode conserves battery power if 
you are frequently turning the computer off and on.
Where you store your programs and data.
Closing the display when you are not using the keyboard saves power.
Operating time decreases at low temperatures.
The condition of the battery terminals. Make sure the battery terminals 
stay clean by wiping them with a clean dry cloth before installing the 
battery pack.
Leaving the AC adapter connected will shorten battery life. At least once a 
week, run the computer on battery power until the battery is fully 
discharged, then recharge the battery.
You should wait at least 16 seconds after turning on the computer 
before trying to monitor the remaining operating time. This is because 
the computer needs this time to check the battery’s remaining capacity 
and then calculate the remaining operating time, based on this together 
with the current power consumption. 
Please be aware that the actual remaining operation time may differ 
slightly from the calculated time.
With repeated discharges and recharges, the battery's capacity will 
gradually decrease. In view of this it will be noted that an often used, older 
battery will not operate for as long as a new battery even when both are 
fully charged.