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    MacBook battery problem

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by dyancuevas, Jul 6, 2008.

  1. dyancuevas

    dyancuevas Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've had my 2008 model MacBook since April. For the first couple of months, I always ran it off battery power, then I decided to keep it plugged in the whole time, running it off the battery once or twice a week. I noticed that (according to iStat) the battery health would go down to 99-97% when it only has around 20mins of use left. Then it finally stayed at 99-97% health, and would climb up to 100% when the battery, like before, was close to running out of power.

    I've already calibrated it twice, and the second time around, my battery health finally stayed at 100%, but only when it's plugged in. I ran it off battery power this morning and the health went down to 99% health and 85% charge (from 100% charge) in 5 minutes!

    Also, there are times that the battery charge would go down to 98% even when it's plugged in and the charger's light is already green.

    Is this normal, in terms of battery health and charge?

    Charge Information:
    Charge remaining (mAh): 4598
    Fully charged: No
    Charging: Yes
    Full charge capacity (mAh): 5005
    Health Information:
    Cycle count: 73
    Condition: Good
    Battery Installed: Yes
    Amperage (mA): 1421
    Voltage (mV): 12476
     
    dyancuevas, Jul 6, 2008
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  2. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Battery charge drops over time, that's normal. After a day or two, you should see the battery go to 99% even though you were plugged in all the time, and 98%, etc. That's perfectly normal!
     
    Sam, Jul 8, 2008
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  3. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    Second that. This is well within normal operation.
    Is there a reason that you are so concerned with battery health? Do you have lower than expected battery life?
    As I tell many people, search for a problem and you'll find one.

    Your best off trying to enjoy your laptop as much as you can while it is running well. The battery is going to die and it will do so in the next 2 or so years. At which time you will either a) upgrade to a new lappie or b) spend $30 on a new battery.
    Relax and be happy!
    :)
    a
     
    Underpantman, Jul 8, 2008
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  4. dyancuevas

    dyancuevas Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sam and Underpantman, thanks for the info. Actually, I think I have a very good battery with me. I get around 4 hours from it, even up to 8 if I leave it on (using InsomniaX) overnight. I have just been browsing the net looking for MacBook battery problems. I guess too much research made me extremely paranoid. :p Thanks again!
     
    dyancuevas, Jul 8, 2008
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  5. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    That's normal :p. Batteries are a common source of worry, because of its past histories, but nowadays, modern Lithium Ion batteries are pretty good and reliable! No real need to worry!
     
    Sam, Jul 8, 2008
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