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View Full Version : Why the external battery indicator?



iFanaddic
Oct 16, 2008, 01:27 PM
This might sound like a stupid question but why would you need a battery indicator on the side? Cant you just point your cursor on the battery icon to get a percentage?


ec51
Oct 16, 2008, 01:28 PM
This might sound like a stupid question but why would you need a battery indicator on the side? Cant you just point your cursor on the battery icon to get a percentage?

Probably meant for when the comp is off...
iFanaddic
Oct 16, 2008, 01:32 PM
Probably meant for when the comp is off...

That could be the reason.. Why didn't I think of that?! lol thanks

EDIT: Would it even work if the computer as off?
sickmacdoc
Oct 16, 2008, 01:50 PM
That could be the reason.. Why didn't I think of that?! lol thanks

EDIT: Would it even work if the computer as off?

Well, the older ones do, so I assume these will too.
jclardy
Oct 16, 2008, 01:51 PM
It works while it is off, that is the point of it. You just hit the small button on the side and a few green lights turn on showing you how much juice you have left.
eerokk
Oct 16, 2008, 01:53 PM
All of the current MacBooks and MacBook Pros already have external battery indicators. The indicator has typically always been on the battery itself. It definitely works when the computer is off. To me it is always a confirmation that the battery is dead rather than another reason why the computer won't start or wake up.
mlemonds
Oct 16, 2008, 01:55 PM
i liked having the indicator on the battery. that way i could tell if my spare had a charge on it
ryanwarsaw
Oct 16, 2008, 01:55 PM
All of the current MacBooks and MacBook Pros already have external battery indicators. The indicator has typically always been on the battery itself. It definitely works when the computer is off. To me it is always a confirmation that the battery is dead rather than another reason why the computer won't start or wake up.

This is a very good point. My blackbook won't power up and the battery light comes on full hence I know it is dead.
WhiteShadow
Oct 16, 2008, 01:57 PM
yeah, having the indicator directly on the battery would be nice for a spare. But for those of us with just the stock battery having to flip the machine, especially if it is being used as a desktop replacement and hooked up to an endless sea of peripherals sucks. Having it on the side seems intuitive.