Basic battery info for macbook

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June 11, 2008 – 2:40 am

Just because I read in forum and they always worries about the battery lifetime, so I became worry about my battery. My macbook pro just 2 month old. Here some basic info that i research/read in forum about charging the battery :

1. Is it ok to work long hours with my power cord plugged in?

Yes but Lithium-ion battery life decreases when maintained at a high charge level and/or high temperatures. Working on your computer while plugged in exposes the battery to both of those conditions. If continually used this way, the battery will last only 12-18 months.

2. Is it ok to have my power cord plugged in while the computer is off > and after the battery reaches full charge?

Yes. It won’t overcharge, however, the battery is ideally stored at 40% charge in the refrigerator (do not freeze). Also, avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Observe manufacturing dates; do not buy old stock, even if sold at clearance prices.

3. Is it best to allow my battery to run very low or fully discharge before plugging in the power cord?

Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion batteries than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion battery does not cause harm because there is no “memory effect”.

4. What is the story behind the “battery memory” warnings?

There is no “memory effect” with lithium-ion batteries. However, Apple recommends calibrating (fully charging-discharging-charging) batteries upon first use, and every few months thereafter. This synchronizes the battery’s “fuel gauge” with its actual state-of-charge. Or calibrate every 6 month.

5. The most “healthy” way to use your battery is to use it as much as you can while connected to the power adapter. When you need to move away from the adapter, do so, but return to AC power as soon as you can. This “almost always full, with short bursts of discharge” form of usage will prolong you battery’s life as much as it is possible to do so. It will reduce the rate at which your battery is “cycled,” yet the short periods of time you are discharging the battery will keep the electrons in it flowing (the ideal condition).

I don’t know this is the best way to take care your battery but for now, i just follow all above except haven’t done yet the calibrate. Maybe after 6 month, i will calibrate.