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RPB65

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 28, 2017
230
89
hey all
I had a new battery in my MacBook Air 4 days ago and over the last 24 hours it’s been off charge, I timed my usage of it.
Total time on battery down to 18% was 6 hours with Mojave OS on it. This was a majority of YouTube videos and browsing with time machine backing up every 45 mins or so, doing ‘its’ local snapshots, etc, not full backups.
So I’m now getting convinced that Mojave is not good for a 2013 MacBook Air.
Now I’m on a known perfect battery, I do not think 6 hours is very good at all. I used to sit here virtually all day/night and plug in overnight. Now I’m not. Lol
Has anyone else noticed this with an older one on Mojave? Just wondering is all.
New battery should be a lot longer I think
 

macintoshmac

Suspended
May 13, 2010
6,089
6,991
YouTube videos will be taxing. So will all the snapshot-taking and stuff. What was your battery life with the previous battery? Try timing again, without YouTube (graphics intensive usage).
 

RPB65

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 28, 2017
230
89
Well folks, as of today, I am now on another new battery. Although 'only' getting 6.5 hours, I was kinda ok with that, then over Sunday night, I came down to see the Amber light still on the charger so I knew something was not right there at all. The battery was reporting as 'normal' with 0 charge cycles, a 0 full charge capacity and a health of 65%!
Let's see how this next battery does then.
Thx for the words folks
 

RPB65

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 28, 2017
230
89
Well, I don't seem to be having much luck at all. The 2nd brand new battery I have has now lost 4% health after only 2 days and 2 charge cycles!
I am now getting rather bemused by what the hell is happening with these. Whilst I won't name the company, just trust me when I say it has a perfect rating on reviews and the batteries have 12 months of warranty with instant swap for any issues, etc. So I trust the company. I didn't buy from an eBay unknown source or second hand.
It's really annoying as my 7 month old Xs Max is still on 100%. lol. I don't get it.
 

RPB65

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 28, 2017
230
89
I'm fine with this party batteries but in would go with an original apple battery to get their warranty and service.
I hear ya. However I went to Apple expecting a £129 battery replacement. I stood debating it with him as he told me it was a total price of over £200!!! I've checked since and the price is £129. However I'm starting too think it's the better option after my experience.
 

Audit13

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2017
6,745
1,781
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I hear ya. However I went to Apple expecting a £129 battery replacement. I stood debating it with him as he told me it was a total price of over £200!!! I've checked since and the price is £129. However I'm starting too think it's the better option after my experience.
Wow, apple prices are crazy. I would go with a third party battery for sure.
 

Macdctr

macrumors 6502a
Nov 25, 2009
941
605
Ocean State
I ordered my replacement battery for my Early 2015 13inch MBA from ifixit. Cost is listed at $79.99

Have not had any issues using the new battery and I can use my MBA for the day before having to recharge the battery again.
 
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RPB65

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 28, 2017
230
89
I ordered my replacement battery for my Early 2015 13inch MBA from ifixit. Cost is listed at $79.99

Have not had any issues using the new battery and I can use my MBA for the day before having to recharge the battery again.
Hey @Macdctr :) Thx. When you say you use it for the day, how long would it actually be on though? I can use mine for the day, but in reality, that on-screen time is only 6.5 hours. It's like now on this 2nd battery, its lost 4% health for some bizarre reason, yet reports 6.5 hrs again.
I really think Mojave is affecting the run time as well. Clearly I need to find another hobby that doesn't include YouTube!
 

Macdctr

macrumors 6502a
Nov 25, 2009
941
605
Ocean State
Hey @Macdctr :) Thx. When you say you use it for the day, how long would it actually be on though? I can use mine for the day, but in reality, that on-screen time is only 6.5 hours. It's like now on this 2nd battery, its lost 4% health for some bizarre reason, yet reports 6.5 hrs again.
I really think Mojave is affecting the run time as well. Clearly I need to find another hobby that doesn't include YouTube!

I would use if for a few hours then take a break and put the laptop into sleep mode and to other things then get back and do some "car research" on my laptop then put it back to sleep so it is more like an on and off again type of thing. Not continuous use all day long kind of thing... but for my daily use I can go on a single charge then in the evenings I will plug it into the charger again.
 

cedwhatev

macrumors 6502
Oct 22, 2011
315
38
Canada
I know this is basic knowledge, and I'm sure you've tried it already, however.. I didn't see it mentioned, but I should just ask, did you try draining the battery completely? A simple recalibration could help it.
 
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