2–4
Hardware and Software Guide
Power
Using External or Battery Power
The notebook runs on external power whenever external power
is available to the notebook. This conserves the charge in an
inserted battery pack.
Because the notebook switches between battery power and
external power according to the availability of external power:
■
If the notebook is running on battery power and you connect
the notebook to external power, the notebook switches to
external power.
■
If the notebook is running on external power (and contains a
charged battery pack) and you disconnect the notebook from
external power, the notebook switches to battery power.
The current power source is identified by the Power Meter icon,
which is displayed by default in the notification area, at the far
right of the taskbar.
■
The Power Meter icon changes shape whenever the power
source changes between battery power and external power.
■
When you rest the pointer over the Power Meter icon, a
text message that identifies the power source is displayed.
If the Power Meter icon is not displayed, refer to
“Displaying the
Power Meter Icon,”
later in this chapter.