One question about iBook batteries

[iAFC]

Hello everybody,

I wanna know if when the power adapter is connected to an iBook, does the battery starts to charge automatically? If it does, wouldn't it affect the battery life?

Thanks!

 

[dcv]

It will only charge if the battery is less than about 94% full, so as to avoid short charge cycles and therefore prolong the battery life. hope this helps.

 

[wordmunger]

Just to give some real-world perspective on this:

I'm tough on my batteries. I don't do any of the battery maintenance "tricks" like running them all the way down or not charging them when they're only partially depleted. I plug in when it's convenient and I run on batteries when it's convenient. Generally my batteries last about 2 years before they start to have difficulty holding a charge. When I can't get a good solid hour and a half of real-world battery use, I buy a new battery. For me, $100 every couple of years is worth not sweating if I'm going to wear out my battery whenever I plug/unplug my iBook. Generally after 4 years I'm going to replace the computer anyway, so I've only ever replaced the battery on a given laptop once.

 

[aquajet]

Generally my batteries last about 2 years before they start to have difficulty holding a charge.

That sounds about right. I'm the same with my PowerBook battery, I just charge or discharge whenever it's more convenient. However I do deplete the battery and recharge fully every few weeks.

 

[rhb1899]

That sounds about right. I'm the same with my PowerBook battery, I just charge or discharge whenever it's more convenient. However I do deplete the battery and recharge fully every few weeks.

Hi there, I was reading this thread hoping it would cover a question of mine...

What ARE the proper "tricks" for taking care of your battery? can you just leave your laptop plugged in all the time? Should your shut your laptop down at all or just leave it in sleep?

 

[iEdd]

What ARE the proper "tricks" for taking care of your battery? can you just leave your laptop plugged in all the time? Should your shut your laptop down at all or just leave it in sleep?

The best is to use as little cycles (full charge, full discharge) as possible, though keeping it calibrated. So probably leave it sleeping whilst plugged in. Once a month run it on battery until it automatically puts itself to sleep, then fully charge it.

 

[mad jew]

What ARE the proper "tricks" for taking care of your battery? can you just leave your laptop plugged in all the time? Should your shut your laptop down at all or just leave it in sleep?

Apple has a very informative Support Page that you may be interested in.

The "ideal" usage is actually similar to what wordmunger does. It's fine to leave the laptop plugged in to the power so long as you take it off every now and then. Plus, it'd be great if you could run it down once a month and then charge it fully up again.