Power
Hardware and Software Guide 3–3
Switching Between Battery and
External
Power
The notebook runs on external power whenever external power
is
available to the notebook. This conserves the charge in an
inserted battery pack. External power can be supplied through
an
AC adapter, an optional docking device, or optional
combination power adapter.
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.
When the notebook is in Windows, a Power Meter icon is
displayed by default in the taskbar. The Power Meter icon
changes shape whenever the power source changes between
battery power and external power.
If the Power Meter icon is not displayed in your taskbar when
the
notebook is in Windows:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance
> Power Options.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Select the Always show icon on the taskbar check box.
4. Select OK.