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25: Calibrating Your Battery
In order to get the most out of your battery you must calibrate it from time to time. You need to do this is the first time you start up your computer, and then about once every two months thereafter.
Calibrating the battery
To give your battery the best possible life span:
- Plug in the power adapter and fully charge your machine until the
light on the power adapter plug turns green.
- Allow the battery to rest in the fully charged state, plugged in,
for at least 2 hours. You may use your machine as long as it is plugged
in.
- Disconnect the power adapter while the machine is on and run it
from the battery. You may use your machine while it is running from the
battery.
- When your battery gets low, you’ll see a warning dialog on the
screen. Make sure your documents are saved at this point.
- Continue to keep your computer turned on until it goes to sleep.
- Allow it to sleep for at least 5 hours in order for the battery to become completely depleted.
- Plug in the power adapter again and charge the battery back up to 100 percent.
- Repeat this process EVERY TWO MONTHS to keep your battery
fully functioning.
- You may now use your system normally. To maximize battery life, always charge the battery to 100 percent without unplugging the power adapter. Additionally, always run the battery down to 10 percent or less before charging the battery again. This will maximize your battery life.
- Plan to replace your battery approximately every 2 years.
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