3-6 User’s Manual3.1.4 Checking the Battery LevelThe notebook features battery-low warning signals that are both audible andvisible. When the battery pack is low, the notebook emits warning beepsand the battery indicator flashes at regular intervals. Also, you can checkthe battery charge level using the onscreen battery gauge.Using the Onscreen Battery GaugeTo access the onscreen battery gauge, press Fn-F4. Thebattery level icon displays onscreen.The onscreen battery gauge indicates the present battery level.3.1.5 Optimizing Battery LifeThis section helps you get the most out of battery operation. Optimizingbattery life prolongs the charge/recharge cycle and improves rechargeefficiency. Follow these suggestions to optimize and maximize batterypower:• Purchase an extra battery pack.• Use the Sleep Manager utility to reserve hard disk space for thehibernation function. See section 5.2.• Use the AC adapter whenever possible so that the battery is reservedfor on-the-go computing.• Keep the battery pack in the notebook powered by the AC adapter.The constant trickle charge maintains the battery level to eliminate thebattery self-discharge effect. The charge-in-use function also chargesthe battery pack.• Disable the parallel and serial ports if no devices are connected tothese ports. You can do this through Setup. See sections 6.4.5. and6.4.6.
