To better use your dell latitude d500 series battery, please take care of the precautions listed below :
1. There are however some further actions which can be taken to increase the dell latitude d500 series battery life.

2. Do not attempt to short circuit the terminals or store your battery pack with metal objects such as aglet.

3. Never solder anything directly to dell latitude d500 series battery. This can destroy the safety features of the battery by damaging the safety vent inside the cap.

4. Never insert dell latitude d500 series battery with the positive and negative poles reversed as this can cause permanent damage to the battery which may swell or rupture.

5. Never attempt to charge dell latitude d500 series battery which has been physically damaged.

6. Do not pierce, hit, step on, crush or abuse the dell battery.

7. Store the laptop batteries in a cool place and when in use don't allow them to remain in environments which may be subject to overheating.