Chapter 3
Mobile Computing
This chapter covers all aspects of using your computer while traveling.
Toshiba’s energy-saver design
Your computer enters a low-power standby mode when it is not being used, thereby conserving energy and saving money in the process. It has a number of other features that enhance its energy efficiency.
Many of these energy-saving features have been set by
Toshiba. We recommend you leave these features active, allowing your computer to operate at its maximum energy efficiency, so that you can use it for longer periods while traveling.
Running the computer on battery power
The computer contains a removable Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery pack that provides power when you are away from an
AC outlet. This is the main battery. You can recharge it many times.
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Battery Notice
Battery life may vary considerably from specifications depending on product model, configuration, applications, power management settings and features utilized, as well as the natural performance variations produced by the design of individual components. Published battery life numbers are achieved on select models and configurations tested by
Toshiba at the time of publication. See “Detailed Specs” for specific battery measurement test. Recharge time varies depending on usage. Battery may not charge while computer is consuming full power.
After a period of time, the battery will lose its ability to perform at maximum capacity and will need to be replaced.
This is normal for all batteries. To purchase a new battery pack, see the accessories information that shipped with your computer or visit the Toshiba web site at www.accessories.toshiba.com
.
To ensure that the battery maintains its maximum capacity, operate the computer on battery power at least once a month until the battery is fully discharged. Please see
“Maximizing battery life” on page 127 for procedures. If the computer is
continuously operated on AC power, either through an AC adapter or docking station (if applicable to your system) for an extended period (more than a month), the battery may fail to retain a charge. This may shorten the life of the battery, and the battery light may not indicate a low-battery condition.
NOTE For optimum DVD performance, it is recommended that you play DVDs while running the computer on AC power. In addition, your computer’s Power Saver utility can be used to select a power level setting for DVD playback.
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Charging the batteries
NOTE Battery charge time may vary depending on the applications, power management settings, and features used.
The battery needs to be charged before you can use it to power the computer.
Never leave batteries in the battery charger for more than a week at a time. Doing so may reduce the potential charge of the battery.
Use only battery chargers designed to work with your notebook computer. You can order a Toshiba battery charger from Toshiba’s Web site at accessories.toshiba.com
.
Charging the main battery
To charge the battery, plug the computer into a live wall outlet. It takes several hours to charge the battery with the computer off. It takes much longer to charge the battery while the computer is on.
TECHNICAL NOTE: When your computer is using all of the power provided by the AC Adapter to run applications, features, and devices, the recharging of the battery cannot occur. Your computer’s Power Saver utility can be used to select a power level setting that reduces the power required for system operation and will allow the battery to recharge.
The battery may not start charging immediately if:
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Charging the batteries
❖ The battery is extremely hot or cold.
To ensure that the battery charges to its full capacity, wait until it reaches room temperature (50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 10 to 26 degrees Celsius).
❖ The battery is almost completely discharged.
Leave the power connected, and the battery should begin charging after a few minutes.
HINT: Once the battery is fully charged, we recommend that you operate your computer on battery power until the battery discharges completely. Doing this extends battery life and helps ensure accurate monitoring of battery capacity.
Charging the RTC battery
Your computer has an internal real-time clock (RTC) battery.
The RTC battery powers the System Time Clock and BIOS memory used to store your computer’s configuration settings.
When fully charged, it maintains this information for up to a month when the computer is powered off.
The RTC battery may have become completely discharged while your computer was shipped, resulting in the following error message during startup:
BAD RTC BATTERY
BAD CHECKSUM (CMOS)
CHECK SYSTEM
NOTE The above error message may vary by computer model.
The RTC battery does not charge while the computer is turned off even when the AC adapter is charging the computer.
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If the RTC battery is low, the real-time clock and calendar may display the incorrect time and date, or stop working.
NOTE It is seldom necessary to charge the RTC battery because it charges while the computer is on. If the RTC battery is low, the real-time clock and calendar may display the incorrect time and date or stop working.
When Hibernation mode is enabled and the RTC battery is completely discharged, a warning prompts you to reset the real-time clock.
The computer can be used while the RTC battery is being charged, although the charging status of the RTC battery cannot be monitored.
Monitoring battery power
The computer’s main battery light gives you an indication of the main battery’s current charge:
❖ Green indicates the AC adapter has fully charged the battery.
❖ Amber indicates the AC adapter is charging the battery.
❖ Off indicates that the battery is not being charged.
NOTE Battery life and charge time may vary, depending upon power management settings, applications and features used.
❖ Flashing amber indicates that the computer is using battery power, and the battery’s charge is running low.
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Monitoring battery power
HINT: Be careful not to confuse the battery light ( ), the on/ off light ( ), and the power button light (near the top right corner of the keyboard).
When the on/off light and power button light flash amber, it indicates that the system is suspended (using Windows ® XP
Standby command).
power button light battery light on/off light
Sample power and battery light locations
Displaying remaining battery power
You can monitor the battery’s remaining charge. The computer calculates the remaining battery charge as it operates, based on your current rate of power use.
To show remaining power:
1 Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and
Maintenance, and then Toshiba Power Saver.
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The Toshiba Power Saver Properties dialog box appears.
Sample Toshiba Power Saver Properties Dialog Box
The remaining battery charge is indicated on the top-left side of the dialog box.
With repeated discharges and recharges, the battery’s capacity gradually decreases. A frequently used older battery will not power the computer for as long as a new battery, even when both are fully charged.
HINT: Wait at least 16 seconds after turning on the computer before trying to monitor the remaining battery power. The computer needs this time to check the battery’s remaining capacity and perform its calculations.
TECHNICAL NOTE: The computer drains battery power more quickly at low temperatures. Check your remaining charge frequently if you are working in temperatures below 50 degrees
Fahrenheit.
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The Windows ® operating system has additional power management options that can be accessed through an icon in
the Control Panel. For more information, see “TOSHIBA
Power Saver” on page 164 .
What to do when the battery alarm sounds
Your computer can be configured to warn you of a low battery charge condition, so you can take the necessary steps to save your work.
Your Toshiba computer system offers two alarms before your system shuts down.
To change the default alarm settings:
1 Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and
Maintenance, and then Toshiba Power Saver.
2 Click the Setup Action tab.
3 Select the Alarm settings in the Setup Alarm section.
Before your computer runs out of battery power, save your data and take one of the following actions:
❖ Suspend or shut down your computer.
❖ Shut down your computer and replace the main battery with a charged one.
❖ Connect your computer to an AC power source.
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Changing the main battery
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Changing the main battery
Never short circuit the battery pack by either accidentally or intentionally bringing the battery terminals in contact with another conductive object. This could cause serious injury or fire, and could also damage the battery pack.
Never expose a battery pack to abnormal shock, vibration or pressure. The battery pack’s internal protective device could fail, causing it to overheat or ignite, resulting in caustic liquid leakage, or explosion or fire, possibly resulting in death or serious injury.
When your main battery has run out of power, you have two options: plug in the AC adapter or install a fresh main battery.
TECHNICAL NOTE: To avoid losing any data, save your files and then either completely shut down your computer, or put it into Hibernation mode before changing the main battery.
Removing the battery from the computer
1 Save your work.
2 Power off the computer or place it in Hibernation mode
according to the instructions in “Using Hibernation” on page 110 .
3 Remove all cables connected to the computer.
4 Close the display panel and turn the computer upside down.
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5 If the battery release lock is in the locked position, slide it toward the unlocked position.
Sample battery release lock
6 Slide the battery release latch to release the battery.
7 Pull the discharged battery out from the back of the computer.
Sample removing the battery
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If the battery is leaking or its case is cracked, put on protective gloves to handle it, and discard it immediately. Always dispose of used battery packs in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Put insulating tape, such as cellophane tape, on the electrode during transportation to avoid a possible short circuit, fire or electric shock. Failure to do so could possibly result in serious injury.
Inserting a charged battery
1 Wipe the terminals of the charged battery with a clean cloth to ensure a good connection.
2 Insert the charged battery into the slot until the latch clicks.
The battery pack has been designed so that you cannot install it with reverse polarity.
If the battery does not slide into the slot easily, move the battery release lock to the unlocked position and try again. Do not force the battery into position.
3 Reset the battery release lock to the locked position.
4 Turn the computer right side up.
5 Reconnect any cables that were removed in step
3 of
“Removing the battery from the computer” on page 123 .
6 Restart the computer.
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Taking care of your battery
Taking care of your battery
The following sections offer tips on how to take care of your battery and prolong its life.
Safety precautions
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If the battery pack produces an odor, overheats, or changes color or shape while it is being used or charged, turn off the computer’s power immediately and disconnect the power cord/cable from the power socket.
Carefully remove the battery pack from the computer.
Do not try to disassemble a battery pack.
Do not overcharge or reverse charge a battery.
Overcharging will shorten its life, and reverse charging could damage it.
Avoid touching the metal terminals of the battery with another metal object. Short-circuiting the battery can cause it to overheat and may cause damage to the battery or the computer.
Do not incinerate a spent battery, as this could cause it to explode and release toxic materials.
If a battery is leaking or damaged, replace it immediately.
Use protective gloves when handling a damaged battery.
To replace the main battery, use an identical battery that you can purchase through the Toshiba Web site at accessories.toshiba.com
.
A reverse polarity condition should be avoided with all batteries. The main battery is designed so that it cannot be installed in reverse polarity.
Charge the battery only in the computer or in a battery charger designated as an approved option.
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When you install the battery pack, you should hear a click when it is seated properly.
Do not expose the battery pack to fire. The battery pack could explode.
Maximizing battery life
To maximize the life of your battery pack:
❖ At least once a month, disconnect the computer from a power source and operate it on battery power until the battery pack fully discharges. Before doing so, follow the steps below:
1 Turn off the computer’s power.
2 Disconnect the AC adapter and turn on the computer’s power. If it does not turn on, go to step 4 .
3 Operate the computer on battery power for five minutes. If the battery pack has at least five minutes of operating time, continue operating until the battery pack is fully discharged. If the battery light flashes or there is some other warning to indicate a low battery, go to step 4.
4 Connect the AC adapter to the computer and the power cord/cable to a power outlet. The DC-IN or AC power light should glow green, and the battery light should glow amber to indicate that the battery pack is being charged. If the DC-IN or AC power-light indicator does not glow, power is not being supplied.
Check the connections for the AC adapter and power cord/cable.
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5 Charge the battery pack until the battery light glows green.
If you have extra battery packs, rotate their use.
If you will not be using the system for an extended period, more than one month, remove the battery pack.
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Disposing of used batteries
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Disconnect the AC adapter when the battery is fully charged. Overcharging makes the battery hot and shortens its life.
If you are not going to use the computer for more than eight hours, disconnect the AC adapter.
Store spare battery packs in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
Disposing of used batteries
The life of a battery pack depends on usage. When the battery pack needs replacing, the main battery light flashes amber shortly after you have fully recharged the battery.
You must discard a battery if it becomes damaged.
Never attempt to dispose of a battery pack by burning or by throwing it into a fire, and never allow exposure to a heating apparatus (e.g., microwave oven). Heat can cause a battery pack to explode and possibly cause serious injury.
Always dispose of used battery packs in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Put insulating tape, such as cellophane tape, on the electrode during transportation to avoid a possible short circuit, fire or electric shock. Failure to do so could possibly result in serious injury.
Always use the battery pack supplied as an accessory or an equivalent battery pack specified in the User’s Manual. Other battery packs have different voltage and terminal polarities.
Use of non-conforming battery packs could generate smoke or cause fire or rupture, possibly resulting in serious injury.
After repeated use, the batteries will finally lose their ability to hold a charge and you will need to replace them. Under
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129 certain applicable laws and regulations, it may be illegal to dispose of old batteries by placing them in the trash.
Please be kind to our shared environment. Check with your local government authority for details regarding where to recycle old batteries or how to dispose of them properly. If you cannot find the information you need elsewhere, call
Toshiba at: (800) 457-7777.
Conserving power
How long a fully charged battery pack lasts when you are using the computer depends on a number of factors, such as:
❖ How the computer is configured.
❖ How much you use the hard disk, DVD-ROM or multifunction drive, diskette drives, or other optional devices.
❖ Where you are working, since operating time decreases at low temperatures.
There are various ways in which you can conserve power and extend the operating time of your battery:
❖ Enable Standby or Hibernation, which saves power when you turn off the computer and turn it back on again.
❖ Use Toshiba’s power-saving options.
These power-saving options control the way in which the computer is configured. By using them, you can greatly increase the length of time you can use the computer before you need to recharge the battery.
Toshiba has combined these options into preset power profiles. Using one of these profiles lets you choose between maximum power savings and peak system performance. You may also set individual power-saving options to suit your own needs.
The following sections describe how to choose a power profile and discuss each power-saving option.
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Power profiles
You can choose a predefined power profile or select your own combination of power management options. To do this:
1 Open the Start menu, click Control Panel, then
Performance and Maintenance.
2 Click the Toshiba Power Saver icon.
3 Select an appropriate profile for your work environment, or create your own custom profile.
4 For more information, see
“TOSHIBA Power Saver” on page 164
.
Using a hot key to set the power profile
You may use a hot key to set the power profile.
To set the power profile:
1 Press Fn and F2 simultaneously to display the power profile pop-up window.
Sample Power Profile mode pop-up window
2 While continuing to press Fn , press F2 until you select the desired power profile.
The power profile options are: Full Power, High Power,
Normal, DVD Playback, Presentation, and Long Life.
3 Release the Fn key.
The pop-up window disappears. You are now in the selected mode.
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For more information on setting the battery power profile, see
“Optimize” on page 157 .
Additional options for power
Depending on the amount of time you spend away from external power sources, the capacity of one battery pack may be sufficient for your needs. However, if you need more portable power, Toshiba provides these options:
❖ Purchase extra battery packs.
❖ Purchase a battery charger that charges one main battery pack and one secondary battery pack at a time.
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