I am going from a Dell Laptop I had for 2 years to a new Macbook. My battery on my Dell stopped working only after 1 year. I hardly used the battery as I had my laptop plugged into an outlet. I am wondering if I overcharged the battery and thats why it stopped working. My question is, is it possible to overcharge the battery in a Macbook? Would it be wise to use the battery until it dies and then just recharge it and just use the Macbook plugged in at that time when it's recharging the battery? Thanks
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Macbook Battery Question
- Thread starter derek1984
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Notebook batteries are made to be used. Keeping it plugged in all the time will decrease the health of the battery. It would be good to drain completely and charge completely once a month. If your battery is less than 300 charge cycles and less than 80%, Apple may replace your battery.
More info here: http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html
More info here: http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html
Thanks for the quick reply. When I go to bed or go to work for the day, is it wise for me to just leave the Macbook plugged in and running? or is it best if I shut it down? I just want to make sure I treat my battery the best I can so it can last.
You're welcome 
When you go to sleep, your Mac should go to sleep, too. (You can keep it plugged in while sleeping)
Some people turn it off, but I feel that wears a computer down more, over time, than just letting it sleep and use little power.
Your battery will decrease as time goes. You can only slow down this decrease by using it regularly on battery and at the very least, discharging/charging it once a month.
When you go to sleep, your Mac should go to sleep, too. (You can keep it plugged in while sleeping)
Some people turn it off, but I feel that wears a computer down more, over time, than just letting it sleep and use little power.
Your battery will decrease as time goes. You can only slow down this decrease by using it regularly on battery and at the very least, discharging/charging it once a month.
You're welcome
When you go to sleep, your Mac should go to sleep, too. (You can keep it plugged in while sleeping)
Some people turn it off, but I feel that wears a computer down more, over time, than just letting it sleep and use little power.
Your battery will decrease as time goes. You can only slow down this decrease by using it regularly on battery and at the very least, discharging/charging it once a month.
Having Gateway and Dell computers all my life I am trying to educate myself as much as I can before I purchase a Macbook so I know what I am doing somewhat, before I get it. Thanks again.
Not a problem.
That's a good attitude to have. Here are some links that may help.
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/
http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/
That's a good attitude to have. Here are some links that may help.
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/
http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/