2011 MBA Battery Capacity Down to 96% in 7 Days

dsc888 · 08:34 PM

Guys,

I picked up my 2011 13" MBA just last week and the batter capacity has decreased to 96% (6468mAh out of 6700mAh max) per Coconut Battery 2.7. It never got to 100% Battery Health and stayed at 99% for about 3 days then it started to drop. I've properly cycled it twice already by running it down to complete shut down and doing a full charge. My MBP is still at 99% health after 14 months of use.

I will say that I've used the different MagSafe chargers on it...the one for my MBP and MBA that came in the box. I don't know if it affects the battery. I imagine that Apple expects people to do this.

I don't want to exchange it and end up with a Toshiba SSD. Thanks for you feedback.

miles01110 · Aug 20, 2011, 11:01 AM

Normal, as the umpteen other threads on this exact same topic will attest to.

yuanmoons · 11:20 AM

I did a few full charge and discharges and it went back up. But it will drop again at some point - nothing you can do. Just enjoy what you have. Any MBA you get will be the same.

And although it says my mac is 26 weeks old that is prob wrong... unless apple had the 1.8's sitting in a warehouse since Jan '11....?

Raptura · Aug 20, 2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuanmoons

And although it says my mac is 26 weeks old that is prob wrong... unless apple had the 1.8's sitting in a warehouse since Jan '11....?

The processor within the MBA's was only released in June.

jim468 · Aug 20, 2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsc888

Guys,

I picked up my 2011 13" MBA just last week and the batter capacity has decreased to 96% (6468mAh out of 9700mAh max) per Coconut Battery 2.7. It never got to 100% Battery Health and stayed at 99% for about 3 days then it started to drop. I've properly cycled it twice already by running it down to complete shut down and doing a full charge. My MBP is still at 99% health after 14 months of use.

I will say that I've used the different MagSafe chargers on it...the one for my MBP and MBA that came in the box. I don't know if it affects the battery. I imagine that Apple expects people to do this.

I don't want to exchange it and end up with a Toshiba SSD. Thanks for you feedback.

I have the same problem and I don't know what to do. Mine says fully charged at 98%. Please update here if you find something. My MBA is 13" 1.7/4/256GB model.

bursthead · Aug 20, 2011, 02:31 PM

95% battery life 16 cycles..

Hellhammer · Aug 20, 2011, 02:40 PM

Unless your capacity drops significantly (I would say below 80%) and doesn't get better over time (a month or so), then your battery may be defective. I have 2010 MBA and my battery has been at 89% at its lowest but right now, it's at 95%. The value fluctuates, thus there is no need to worry about it unless it's really serious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptura

The processor within the MBA's was only released in June.

Release date != Manufacture date

Intel has been manufacturing the CPUs for roughly a year. Hence January doesn't actually sound too unbelievable.

iphonsteve4ajob · Aug 20, 2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim468

I have the same problem and I don't know what to do. Mine says fully charged at 98%. Please update here if you find something. My MBA is 13" 1.7/4/256GB model.

Your battery is normal. The current capacity will fluctuate up and down a few percentage points. It isn't a one way street. I've had my MBA for about two weeks and mine has gone up to 101 (almost 102% darn it!), down to 98%, back up to 100%, and is currently at 99%.

n1tut · Aug 20, 2011, 03:02 PM

96% (6468mAh out of 9700mAh

Your maths are wrong. That is a lot more than 96%.

tut

CapnJackGig · Aug 20, 2011, 03:22 PM

I've owned multiple Mac laptops and it's not unusual to have it plugged in and be sitting at 95-99 percent "fully" charged. Unplug it and let it drop into the 80s and then plug it back in and it will charge to 100.

iphonsteve4ajob · Aug 20, 2011, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n1tut

96% (6468mAh out of 9700mAh

Your maths are wrong. That is a lot more than 96%.

tut

The OP meant 6700, probably just hit the wrong key.

Hollandar · Aug 20, 2011, 03:57 PM

I posted a similar thread a couple of weeks ago. I have the same computer and at that time my full charge capacity was 6151mAh (91%) after only 10 cycles. It's gone up and down a bit (by 3%), but currently is at 6263mAh (93%) after 15 cycles. I tried a few full discharges followed by charges, but it doesn't seem to really help much. I called Apple and they said as of now the battery is still "normal" on their "charts", but wouldn't tell me at what level it would no longer be considered normal. If they have "charts" then they obviously have cutoffs, but I guess they don't want them widely known. Just keep an eye on it and if things get worse then give Apple a call, but as of now your battery is still running better than mine. =S

And1ss · Aug 20, 2011, 04:31 PM

You shouldn't use the mbp charger as the 13in charge is rated at 60w whereas the air charger is 45w.

bizzle · Aug 20, 2011, 04:34 PM

You can use a 60w or 85w on the MacBook Air. It's not going to hurt it. I use an 85w exclusively because I just use my old MacBook Pro adapter to keep the MacBook Air adapter un-opened for resale.

It will only pull as much power as it needs. People need to stop spreading this misinformation.

wiregen · Aug 20, 2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by And1ss

You shouldn't use the mbp charger as the 13in charge is rated at 60w whereas the air charger is 45w.

Using a higher wattage power adapter is fine. Macbooks have a limiter in there to prevent over-charging. Imagine if this was true - you would have to buy a specific cinema display for different wattage ratings! lol

iphonsteve4ajob · Aug 20, 2011, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollandar

I posted a similar thread a couple of weeks ago. I have the same computer and at that time my full charge capacity was 6151mAh (91%) after only 10 cycles. It's gone up and down a bit (by 3%), but currently is at 6263mAh (93%) after 15 cycles. I tried a few full discharges followed by charges, but it doesn't seem to really help much. I called Apple and they said as of now the battery is still "normal" on their "charts", but wouldn't tell me at what level it would no longer be considered normal. If they have "charts" then they obviously have cutoffs, but I guess they don't want them widely known. Just keep an eye on it and if things get worse then give Apple a call, but as of now your battery is still running better than mine. =S

91%-93% after 10 cycles? That would bother me. A couple more points and your going to be at 89%. These batteries are supposed to maintain a capacity of 80% up to 1000 cycles. So...they expect you to live with a battery capacity in the high 80's for most of the time you own your new laptop (providing you do hit the high 80's before being anywhere near 1000 cycles).

bizzle · Aug 20, 2011, 05:24 PM

People, you need to get real. Battery capacity is going to fluctuate. There is nothing wrong.

glen e · Aug 20, 2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizzle

People, you need to get real. Battery capacity is going to fluctuate. There is nothing wrong.

x2.....some people have too much free time....lol

dsc888 · Aug 20, 2011, 08:31 PM

Yes. Thanks for the correction. That's what I meant.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iphonsteve4ajob

The OP meant 6700, probably just hit the wrong key.

----------

Thanks you! Yes. That does make sense. I have the ACD at home and it charges both my MBP and MBA just fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiregen

Using a higher wattage power adapter is fine. Macbooks have a limiter in there to prevent over-charging. Imagine if this was true - you would have to buy a specific cinema display for different wattage ratings! lol

Cynicalone · Aug 20, 2011, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellhammer

Intel has been manufacturing the CPUs for roughly a year. Hence January doesn't actually sound too unbelievable.

The serial number calculation is actually off. Coconut Battery just needs to be updated with the new serial number info.

The link was posted in another thread, I can't find the link but basically it translated to early June for my 13" i7.

dsc888 · Aug 20, 2011, 08:43 PM

Guys,

Thanks for all the replies. Every post is helpful...even the ones that tell me I'm being a bit OCD

! I got lucky with my MBP that is still at 99% after 175 cycles in over a year. So naturally I was shocked. I will keep an eye on the meter and bring it in if it drops a bit too fast.

Cynicalone · Aug 20, 2011, 08:49 PM

Here is some info on changes to the serial number.

http://www.junkfoodjunkie.no/2010/ap...w-macbook-pro/

GGJstudios posted that link in another thread.

Aug 20, 2011, 10:48 AM	#1
dsc888 macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston, MA USA	2011 MBA Battery Capacity Down to 96% in 7 Days Guys, I picked up my 2011 13" MBA just last week and the batter capacity has decreased to 96% (6468mAh out of 6700mAh max) per Coconut Battery 2.7. It never got to 100% Battery Health and stayed at 99% for about 3 days then it started to drop. I've properly cycled it twice already by running it down to complete shut down and doing a full charge. My MBP is still at 99% health after 14 months of use. I will say that I've used the different MagSafe chargers on it...the one for my MBP and MBA that came in the box. I don't know if it affects the battery. I imagine that Apple expects people to do this. I don't want to exchange it and end up with a Toshiba SSD. Thanks for you feedback. __________________ 2012 15" rMBP 2.6/8/512 \| 2010 Mac Pro 2.8 w/ 27" ACD \| 2010 MPB 17" AG i7 2.66/8/256 Gb SSD 2011 iPad3 Black 16 GB Wifi \| 4G iPod Touch Last edited by dsc888; Aug 20, 2011 at 08:34 PM.
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 11:01 AM	#2
miles01110 macrumors 604 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The Ivory Tower (I'm not coming down)	Normal, as the umpteen other threads on this exact same topic will attest to. __________________ Got a problem? Check here first.
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 11:08 AM	#3
yuanmoons macrumors 6502 Join Date: Aug 2008	I did a few full charge and discharges and it went back up. But it will drop again at some point - nothing you can do. Just enjoy what you have. Any MBA you get will be the same. And although it says my mac is 26 weeks old that is prob wrong... unless apple had the 1.8's sitting in a warehouse since Jan '11....? __________________ MacBook Air 13" 1.8Ghz 256GB (Mid-11) iPad 1 3G 32GB (Mid-10) iPhone 4 32GB (Mid-10) Last edited by yuanmoons; Aug 20, 2011 at 11:20 AM.
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 02:31 PM	#6
bursthead macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2010	95% battery life 16 cycles.. __________________ Current as of 11/13/2012: Macbook Air 2011 i5, Verizon iPad 3 64gb, Verizon Galaxy S3 Black, Verizon Iphone 5 32gb, (Pending) Verizon Galaxy Note2, (Waiting) Black iPad Mini 32gb Verizon.
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 04:31 PM	#13
And1ss macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2009	You shouldn't use the mbp charger as the 13in charge is rated at 60w whereas the air charger is 45w. __________________ 15" Early 2011 Macbook Pro \| iPhone 4 32GB Black \| iPad2 64 Wifi+3G
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 03:02 PM	#9
n1tut macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Old Deer, Scotland	96% (6468mAh out of 9700mAh Your maths are wrong. That is a lot more than 96%. tut
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 03:22 PM	#10
CapnJackGig macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2011	I've owned multiple Mac laptops and it's not unusual to have it plugged in and be sitting at 95-99 percent "fully" charged. Unplug it and let it drop into the 80s and then plug it back in and it will charge to 100.
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 03:57 PM	#12
Hollandar macrumors newbie Join Date: Aug 2011	I posted a similar thread a couple of weeks ago. I have the same computer and at that time my full charge capacity was 6151mAh (91%) after only 10 cycles. It's gone up and down a bit (by 3%), but currently is at 6263mAh (93%) after 15 cycles. I tried a few full discharges followed by charges, but it doesn't seem to really help much. I called Apple and they said as of now the battery is still "normal" on their "charts", but wouldn't tell me at what level it would no longer be considered normal. If they have "charts" then they obviously have cutoffs, but I guess they don't want them widely known. Just keep an eye on it and if things get worse then give Apple a call, but as of now your battery is still running better than mine. =S
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 04:34 PM	#14
bizzle macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2008	You can use a 60w or 85w on the MacBook Air. It's not going to hurt it. I use an 85w exclusively because I just use my old MacBook Pro adapter to keep the MacBook Air adapter un-opened for resale. It will only pull as much power as it needs. People need to stop spreading this misinformation. __________________ oh no my fans are spinning and my computer is hot wtf?????!!??!?!?1/1/1/111````oneonetwo
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 05:24 PM	#17
bizzle macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2008	People, you need to get real. Battery capacity is going to fluctuate. There is nothing wrong. __________________ oh no my fans are spinning and my computer is hot wtf?????!!??!?!?1/1/1/111````oneonetwo
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 08:43 PM	#21
dsc888 Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston, MA USA	Guys, Thanks for all the replies. Every post is helpful...even the ones that tell me I'm being a bit OCD! I got lucky with my MBP that is still at 99% after 175 cycles in over a year. So naturally I was shocked. I will keep an eye on the meter and bring it in if it drops a bit too fast. __________________ 2012 15" rMBP 2.6/8/512 \| 2010 Mac Pro 2.8 w/ 27" ACD \| 2010 MPB 17" AG i7 2.66/8/256 Gb SSD 2011 iPad3 Black 16 GB Wifi \| 4G iPod Touch
	0

Aug 20, 2011, 08:49 PM	#22
Cynicalone macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Okie land	Here is some info on changes to the serial number. http://www.junkfoodjunkie.no/2010/ap...w-macbook-pro/ GGJstudios posted that link in another thread.
	0

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