Checking The Battery Level; Optimizing Battery Life - Acer Aspire 1202 User Manual

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Charging modes
The adapter has two charging modes:
Rapid mode
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The computer uses rapid charging when power is turned off and a powered AC
adapter is connected to it. In rapid mode, a fully depleted battery gets fully
charged in approximately 3 hours.
Charge-in-use mode
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When the computer is in use with the AC adapter plugged in, the computer also
charges the battery pack if installed. This mode will take longer to fully charge a
battery than rapid mode. In charge-in-use mode, a fully depleted battery gets
fully charged in approximately 4.5 hours.
Note: We suggest that you charge the battery pack before retiring for the day,
letting it charge overnight before traveling. This ensures a fully charged battery
for use the next day.

Checking the battery level

Using the Windows battery meter
The Windows battery meter indicates the present battery level. Simply rest your
cursor on the battery meter (or AC plug) icon on the taskbar to see the present charge
level of your battery.

Optimizing battery life

This section helps you get the most out of battery operation. Optimizing battery life
prolongs the charge/recharge cycle and improves recharge efficiency. Follow these
suggestions to optimize and maximize battery power:
Purchase an extra battery pack.
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Use the AC adapter whenever possible so that the battery is reserved for on-the-
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go computing.
Keep the battery pack in the computer powered by the AC adapter. The constant
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trickle charge maintains the battery level to eliminate the battery self-discharge
effect. The charge-in-use function also charges the battery pack.
Disable the parallel port if no devices are connected to this port. You can do this
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through the BIOS Setup Utility. See "Others" on page 69.
Operating on battery power