Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E531 - Manual (Page 47)

The rate at which you use battery power will determine how long you can use the battery of your computer
between charges. Because each computer user has different habits and needs, it is difficult to predict how
long a battery charge will last. There are two main factors:
• How much energy is stored in the battery when you begin to work.
• The way you use your computer: how often you access the hard disk drive or solid-state drive; how
bright you make the computer display.
To check for detailed battery status information, do the following:
• For Windows 7: Open the Power Manager program and click the Battery tab.
• For Windows 8: Open the Lenovo Support program and click Battery Health. Or open the Lenovo
Settings program and click Power.
Using the ac power adapter
The power to run your computer can come either from the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack provided with it,
or from ac power through the ac power adapter.
The ac power adapter that comes with your computer has two basic components:
• The transformer pack that converts ac power for use with the computer.
• The power cord that plugs into the ac outlet and into the transformer pack.
Attention: Using an improper power cord could cause severe damage to your computer.
Connecting the ac power adapter
To use the ac power adapter, do the following.
Note: Ensure that you take these steps in the given order.
1. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
2. Connect the power cord to the transformer pack.
3. Connect the ac power adapter to the ac power connector of the computer.
Tips on using the ac power adapter
• When the ac power adapter is not in use, disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
• Do not bind the power cord tightly around the ac power adapter transformer pack when it is connected to
the transformer.
• Before you charge the battery, make sure that its temperature is at least 10°C (50°F).
• You can charge the battery when the ac power adapter is connected to the computer and the battery is
installed. You need to charge it in any of the following conditions:
– A new battery is installed.
– The percentage of power remaining is low.
– The battery has not been used for a long time.
Charging the battery
When you find that the percentage of power remaining is low or when the power alarm goes off, you need to
charge your battery or replace it with a charged battery.
Chapter 2 . Using your computer 31