2013 11" Battery Life Thread (real world)

[mayuka]

As I've said before I'm sharing here what I'm learning in my journey.

Most of the information will be pretty useless, because it is biased and based on unreproducable work. Even if your workflow is similar you'll get different measurements every time, because you do different things that utilize the cpu differently. It's philosophical to discuss this further.

Two things are of interest:
1. difference between the i5 and i7 while idling (battery and cpu temperature)
2. difference between the i5 and i7 while running at full speed (battery and cpu temperature)

Why only these two things? Both processors are rated for the same TDP and same wattage (15W), while running on different base speeds (1,3 GHz vs. 1,7 GHz). Both processors are scaling differently high. Even the HD5000 is 1,1 Ghz on i7 and 1,0 GHz on i5. My guess is that the i7 drains the battery faster even when idling. This is, however, unconfirmed and only measurable with a reproducable test. Since most of the time the cpu is idling this is of vital interest.

 

[curtoise]

Most of the information will be pretty useless, because it is biased and based on unreproducable work. Even if your workflow is similar you'll get different measurements every time, because you do different things that utilize the cpu differently. It's philosophical to discuss this further.

Two things are of interest:
1. difference between the i5 and i7 while idling (battery and cpu temperature)
2. difference between the i5 and i7 while running at full speed (battery and cpu temperature)

Why only these two things? Both processors are rated for the same TDP and same wattage (15W), while running on different base speeds (1,3 GHz vs. 1,7 GHz). Both processors are scaling differently high. Even the HD5000 is 1,1 Ghz on i7 and 1,0 GHz on i5. My guess is that the i7 drains the battery faster even when idling. This is, however, unconfirmed and only measurable with a reproducable test. Since most of the time the cpu is idling this is of vital interest.

The i7 indeed drains the battery faster and I can confirm that I've imported 4000 photos into iPhoto on the i5 and just finished without a sweat, no fan, no heat and Face is going on strong.

I did the same yesterday on the i7 with just 60 photos and as soon as Faces started the recognition the fan went nuts.

Also right now with VM Fusion open with WIn 7, Safari and several tabs, Coda 2, Mail, Tweetbot, Pocket, Reminders in clamshell mode attached to a Thunderbolt 27' the fan is going non stop for 45 minutes already.

I've worked of the i5 attached to the same display since Monday morning and the fan never started.

Again this is my regular workflow and apps use and this is how I work and how I'll use the machine, my favorite test is not a scientific lab test or a loop the loop test, my favorite test is how the machine will behave doing what I do every day.

So far I'm 99% decided on the i5 and maybe (if) one with 8gb

Because I'm sharing this I'm not right or wrong, I'm just the messenger.

 

[Diversion]

The i7 indeed drains the battery faster and I can confirm that I've imported 4000 photos into iPhoto on the i5 and just finished without a sweat, no fan, no heat and Face is going on strong.

I did the same yesterday on the i7 with just 60 photos and as soon as Faces started the recognition the fan went nuts.

Also right now with VM Fusion open with WIn 7, Safari and several tabs, Coda 2, Mail, Tweetbot, Pocket, Reminders in clamshell mode attached to a Thunderbolt 27' the fan is going non stop for 45 minutes already.

I've worked of the i5 attached to the same display since Monday morning and the fan never started.

Again this is my regular workflow and apps use and this is how I work and how I'll use the machine, my favorite test is not a scientific lab test or a loop the loop test, my favorite test is how the machine will behave doing what I do every day.

So far I'm 99% decided on the i5 and maybe (if) one with 8gb

Because I'm sharing this I'm not right or wrong, I'm just the messenger.

I wish you had another i7 model just to confirm that the same behavior exists on another.. I just didn't expect the i7 model to go fan-crazy so easily whereas the i5 model isn't. It makes it seem like Apple needs to tweak the SMC/bios,etc. to keep that i7 under control or that it really just generates more heat due to the base clock speed.

 

[Jazwire]

Also right now with VM Fusion open with WIn 7, Safari and several tabs, Coda 2, Mail, Tweetbot, Pocket, Reminders in clamshell mode attached to a Thunderbolt 27' the fan is going non stop for 45 minutes already.

Just so I am clear, you ran the exact same apps yesterday, (with a similar work load) and had no fans with the i5.

But today you are running the same apps and a similar workload with the i7 and the fans are running?

You not doing anything radically different CPU processing wise from yesterday to today?
If so this is good solid info.

 

[curtoise]

Just so I am clear, you ran the exact same apps yesterday, (with a similar work load) and had no fans with the i5.

But today you are running the same apps and a similar workload with the i7 and the fans are running?

You not doing anything radically different CPU processing wise from yesterday to today?
If so this is good solid info.

That is correct, and the fan is still spinning on the i7

 

[mayuka]

That is correct, and the fan is still spinning on the i7

Because of the completely different setup. Working in clamshell mode AND with a thunderbolt display attached....

Last try/suggestion for my part: Why not trying the tests I proposed while you sleep?

 

[smashie]

The i7 indeed drains the battery faster and I can confirm that I've imported 4000 photos into iPhoto on the i5 and just finished without a sweat, no fan, no heat and Face is going on strong.

I did the same yesterday on the i7 with just 60 photos and as soon as Faces started the recognition the fan went nuts.

Also right now with VM Fusion open with WIn 7, Safari and several tabs, Coda 2, Mail, Tweetbot, Pocket, Reminders in clamshell mode attached to a Thunderbolt 27' the fan is going non stop for 45 minutes already.

I've worked of the i5 attached to the same display since Monday morning and the fan never started.

Again this is my regular workflow and apps use and this is how I work and how I'll use the machine, my favorite test is not a scientific lab test or a loop the loop test, my favorite test is how the machine will behave doing what I do every day.

So far I'm 99% decided on the i5 and maybe (if) one with 8gb

Because I'm sharing this I'm not right or wrong, I'm just the messenger.

It makes sense that the i5 is producing better battery figures and thanks for all the info. I have an

i7/8GB/512Gb coming on Friday and looking forward to it.What puzzles me is that on your photo import test

the i7 performs significantly poorer than your i5 and if i was in your shoes the i7 would be going straight

back. I can't believe that this is the standard that the i7 will perform to because if it is mine and a lot of

others will be going back. As others have suggested could it be possible that there may be an issue with

your i7 machine?

 

[curtoise]

Because of the completely different setup. Working in clamshell mode AND with a thunderbolt display attached....

Last try/suggestion for my part: Why not trying the tests I proposed while you sleep?

As I've said all situations are different for every test, so far the i5 is working better for me.

They just came in stock on Amazon if somebody want s to get one be quick before they are gone.

There is no tax (at least for me) and free 2 day shipping and you are saving between $80-70

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00746YMHA/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

 

[musika]

As I've said all situations are different for every test, so far the i5 is working better for me.

They just came in stock on Amazon if somebody want s to get one be quick before they are gone.

There is no tax (at least for me) and free 2 day shipping and you are saving between $80-70

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00746YMHA/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

You gonna go with the 8GB RAM or just keep it totally stock?

 

[curtoise]

You gonna go with the 8GB RAM or just keep it totally stock?

Just ordered one in Amazon final price $1199 delivered tomorrow morning and added a time capsule 2TB as they are in stock today too for a total $1498

And I think that I've paid $1,868.78 for the ultimate

i5/4/256 I'm in love with the machine and for $1498 I'll have both machine and a brand new Time Capsule 2TB at my doorstep tomorrow.

Happy camper

 

[musika]

Just ordered one in Amazon final price $1199 delivered tomorrow morning and added a time capsule 2TB as they are in stock today too for a total $1498

And I think that I've paid $1,868.78 for the ultimate

i5/4/256 I'm in love with the machine and for $1498 I'll have both machine and a brand new Time Capsule 2TB at my doorstep tomorrow.

Happy camper

I'm gonna do the same but from the Apple Online Store for my discount. I'll return one of them next week, we'll see which one (probably i7).

 

[curtoise]

I'm gonna do the same but from the Apple Online Store for my discount. I'll return one of them next week, we'll see which one (probably i7).

Whatever is good for you, test them with your own workflow, I always buy the best powerful machines, upgrades etc, this is the first time I'm doing this and very happy with it, now I need that iMac 27' with 512ssd

 

[musika]

I've got an i7/8GB/256 coming this afternoon. I'll be using it until Monday or Tuesday, which is when my i5/4GB/256 will be arriving. At that point, I'll know whether or not I'm happy with the i7 model is and I'll decide once and for all which one I'll be keeping. Then it's off to the Apple Store to get a full refund on one of them.

At least now I have a notebook for the weekend until the other one comes, and I get to test both out.

 

[curtoise]

I've got an i7/8GB/256 coming this afternoon. I'll be using it until Monday or Tuesday, which is when my i5/4GB/256 will be arriving. At that point, I'll know whether or not I'm happy with the i7 model is and I'll decide once and for all which one I'll be keeping. Then it's off to the Apple Store to get a full refund on one of them.

At least now I have a notebook for the weekend until the other one comes, and I get to test both out.

When you get the i5 just use it in the same way as you've used the i7

 

[musika]

When you get the i5 just use it in the same way as you've used the i7

Yep that's the plan. Should be fun. Monday isn't too far away!

 

[paulkerdot]

Just ordered one in Amazon final price $1199 delivered tomorrow morning and added a time capsule 2TB as they are in stock today too for a total $1498

And I think that I've paid $1,868.78 for the ultimate

i5/4/256 I'm in love with the machine and for $1498 I'll have both machine and a brand new Time Capsule 2TB at my doorstep tomorrow.

Happy camper

Surprised you didn't upgrade to 8gb ram and keep the rest standard. Isn't 8gb just about an essential upgrade on this forum?

 

[johnjey]

I think this sums it up:

http://www.macworld.com/article/204...rs-best-battery-life-of-any-apple-laptop.html

Please read what we are asking for is 11 inches i7 and i5 only and don't care a dime about the 13 inch whines of 12-15 hour battery crap !

 

[musika]

Surprised you didn't upgrade to 8gb ram and keep the rest standard. Isn't 8gb just about an essential upgrade on this forum?

I really feel like it isn't. People overreact a bit with that. He's been running a stock machine all week and it seems to run great.

I've messed with machines in the Apple Store with 4GB and they run great. Keep it for as long as it works and when the machine just isn't cutting it anymore, throw it on eBay and spend a couple hundred to get a new one.

Basically, whatever works for your setup is great. And futureproofing is pointless because no matter how you spec it out, your computer is always gonna need to be replaced. So just enjoy it while you can.

 

[johnjey]

Perhaps I have heard Lot of real world valid ranting about I-7 now as its reducing the battery life and kicking the fans :-(

I would love to have a faster machine but cooler so i5 seems to be a winner with 8gb ram and 256 SSD and a time capsule

 

[curtoise]

I really feel like it isn't. People overreact a bit with that. He's been running a stock machine all week and it seems to run great.

I've messed with machines in the Apple Store with 4GB and they run great. Keep it for as long as it works and when the machine just isn't cutting it anymore, throw it on eBay and spend a couple hundred to get a new one.

Basically, whatever works for your setup is great. And futureproofing is pointless because no matter how you spec it out, your computer is always gonna need to be replaced. So just enjoy it while you can.

Right on the money, if the 2014 Macbook Air is going to be totally redesigned and retina, beautiful etc you are going to want to upgrade to that one and it will cost you just a couple hundred bucks, if not you keep this one for another year and you will be very good too.

I've installed Mavericks on the base model and considering that it is a Developer Preview it runs flawlessly on the base model.

 

[musika]

Right on the money, if the 2014 Macbook Air is going to be totally redesigned and retina, beautiful etc you are going to want to upgrade to that one and it will cost you just a couple hundred bucks, if not you keep this one for another year and you will be very good too.

I've installed Mavericks on the base model and considering that it is a Developer Preview it runs flawlessly on the base model.

How was the base model running on Mountain Lion? Did you try that with heavy work?

 

[curtoise]

How was the base model running on Mountain Lion? Did you try that with heavy work?

Same thing or better, Mavericks is not working correctly yet, some apps do not work, I could not exist full screen mode without forcing quit, etc so I believe Mountain Lion will be better for testing.

 

[defomicron]

It is incredibly frustrating to see people on this thread saying they've heard the i7 runs hot and ruins battery life. ONLY Curtoise has experiences these issues. I have not read about ANYONE else having the same experience.

I'm not saying I don't believe you, Curtoise, but I and a couple other have suggested your i7 unit sounds defective. But Curtoise ignores this suggestion every time it's mentioned.

It make absolutely no sense that an i5 could import 4000 photos with no problems and the i7 would burn up on 60. Just think about that for a moment. It makes no logical sense.

 

[curtoise]

It is incredibly frustrating to see people on this thread saying they've heard the i7 runs hot and ruins battery life. ONLY Curtoise has experiences these issues. I have not read about ANYONE else having the same experience.

I'm not saying I don't believe you, Curtoise, but I and a couple other have suggested your i7 unit sounds defective. But Curtoise ignores this suggestion every time it's mentioned.

It make absolutely no sense that an i5 could import 4000 photos with no problems and the i7 would burn up on 60. Just think about that for a moment. It makes no logical sense.

I'm not ignoring anything, I'm glad that I also purchased the i7 to test exactly what I needed to see.

I'm just a very happy camper right now.

 

[defomicron]

I'm not ignoring anything, I'm glad that I also purchased the i7 to test exactly what I needed to see.

I'm just a very happy camper right now.

You literally just ignored it. Why are you so convinced your laptop isn't defective and this is just how the i7 performs? You're potentially spreading misinformation to people who are trying to decide which laptop to buy.

Two successive quotes from Curtoise:

I've installed Mavericks on the base model and considering that it is a Developer Preview it runs flawlessly on the base model.

Mavericks is not working correctly yet, some apps do not work, I could not exist full screen mode without forcing quit, etc so I believe Mountain Lion will be better for testing.

C'mon man, people reading this thread trying to pick a laptop need truthful information.