Battery Tips:
There are several steps you can take to insure that you get maximum performance from your
Dell Latitude C640/C600 series battery:
Breaking In New Batteries - new batteries come in a discharged condition and must be fully
charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge and discharge your new Dell Latitude C640/C600 series battery
two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity.
Preventing the Memory Effect - Keep your Dell Latitude C640/C600 series battery healthy by fully charging and then fully
discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion
batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect.
Keep Your Batteries Clean - It's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton
swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the Dell Latitude C640/C600 series battery and your
portable device.
Exercise Your Battery - Do not leave your Dell Latitude C640/C600 series battery dormant for long periods of time. We
recommend using the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If a battery has not
been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery break in procedure described
above.
Battery Storage - If you don't plan on using the Dell Latitude C640/C600 series battery for a month or more, we recommend
storing it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li
-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to break them in before use.
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually
achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not
attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months.
For Notebook Users - To get maximum performance from your battery, fully optimize the
notebook's power management features prior to use. Power management is a trade off: better
power conservation in exchange for lesser computer performance. The power management system
conserves battery power by setting the processor to run at a slower speed, dimming the
screen, spinning down the hard drive when it's not in use and causing the machine to go into
sleep mode when inactive. Your notebook user's guide will provide information relating to
specific power management features.