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    Leaving the macbook plugged in?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by rizmo, Feb 9, 2008.

  1. rizmo

    rizmo Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just got a new black macbook, and I just have one concern; i heard from a friend that leaving the macbook plugged into its power source could have negative effects on the macbook later in its life. Is this true?

    Essentially, I would think that keeping it plugged in would actually preserve battery life since it doesnt use up any cycles of charge... or does it? thanks guys. :)
     
    rizmo, Feb 9, 2008
    #1
  2. Arquis

    Arquis Kojima Worshiper

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    it does reduce cycles, but extremely slowly. I leave mine plugged in about 90% of the time I'm using it, and so far so good. You're battery is going to start to die later on even if you don't keep it plugged in. Adverse effects on the computer itself... no he doesn't know what he's talking about.
     
    Arquis, Feb 9, 2008
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  3. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Just leave it plugged in. Use the battery every now and then, say once a week or so, and you're fine :).
     
    Sam, Feb 9, 2008
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  4. AuroraS

    AuroraS Notebook Virtuoso

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    Right... leaving it plugged in is good.. because the fewer cycles your battery has, the better.
    Conversely, leaving a battery at (near) full capacity for extended periods of time is also bad... so do use it on battery once in a while. It's beneficial to cycle it every now and then.
     
    AuroraS, Feb 9, 2008
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  5. Stunner

    Stunner Notebook Deity

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    In for macbooks in general is there like a power manager that allows for you to only allow the battery to begin charging at a specific point? Or does it always automatically charge the battery?
     
    Stunner, Feb 9, 2008
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  6. Arquis

    Arquis Kojima Worshiper

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    It charges the battery as long as it's below 95%
     
    Arquis, Feb 9, 2008
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  7. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yeah, like all the Mac notebooks, it does not charge until the battery charge drops below 96%, to prevent overcharging :).
     
    Sam, Feb 9, 2008
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  8. kamkazeephi

    kamkazeephi Notebook Consultant

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    so there's no way a macbook to get overcharge (new one Q407) because they are best improved. i have mac battery put in at 100% with my cable plugged in 24/7.
     
    kamkazeephi, Feb 9, 2008
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  9. drpoi

    drpoi Notebook Guru

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    I'm also a bit surprised by your comments. I normally work plugged but take the battery out to avoid surcharge. Am I doing wrong??

    Edit: well, after re-reading the posts it seems I am. I just need a final confirmation :)

    DrPoi
     
    drpoi, Feb 9, 2008
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  10. circa86

    circa86 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    there isn't really a way to overcharge any battery in a notebook in a very long time.
     
    circa86, Feb 10, 2008
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  11. BHD

    BHD Notebook Deity

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    it's really not worth worrying about. if worst comes to worst, just invest in a new battery after 2 years.
     
    BHD, Feb 10, 2008
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  12. drpoi

    drpoi Notebook Guru

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    Well, if that's true it's only true for new generation laptops. I still remember the 30 minutes my Toshiba Satellite 1800-100 battery lasted after using the computer for months plugged in without removing it. Same for an Acer we had. I assumed things were still the same, but it seems they're not. Good news!

    I don't remember for my old iBook. I think I also took the battery out for long plugged-in sessions after the bad experience during my PC time...

    Cheers

    DrPoi
     
    drpoi, Feb 10, 2008
    #12