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jason.siegel

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 15, 2011
448
48
If I remember correctly, it was advised several years ago to charge new batteries for 24 hours prior to usage, and then run them through 3 or so full cycles so as to best extend their longevity. Is that advice still current, and/or what is now the best practice for the current Air battery?

Thanks.
 
If I remember correctly, it was advised several years ago to charge new batteries for 24 hours prior to usage, and then run them through 3 or so full cycles so as to best extend their longevity. Is that advice still current, and/or what is now the best practice for the current Air battery?

Thanks.

I'm curious too... It seems if you ask 10 people you get 10 answers... lol
 
If I remember correctly, it was advised several years ago to charge new batteries for 24 hours prior to usage, and then run them through 3 or so full cycles so as to best extend their longevity. Is that advice still current, and/or what is now the best practice for the current Air battery?

Thanks.

In addition, Apple recommends that the battery be completely drained occasionally - say once per month.
 
I doubt you'll need to do anything once you get your new MBA, but I could be wrong. I think it's best if you go to the Apple store and ask the experts.

But the once a month draining thing should be done, like the previous poster mentioned, especially if you don't use your laptop often.
 
If I remember correctly, it was advised several years ago to charge new batteries for 24 hours prior to usage, and then run them through 3 or so full cycles so as to best extend their longevity. Is that advice still current, and/or what is now the best practice for the current Air battery?
This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions:
 
i asked an apple expert, and they said to drain battery down to 20% or so, not all the way, and then charge it to 100% and it should be good. Do this right from the start
 
I try to conditioning the batteries of most things i own and i've always had pretty good success.

When i get a new device

Fully charge it and leave the ac adapter in for some hours after, it won't overcharge

Remove the adapter and let to drain to hypothetical 0% where it goes into sleep mode. Leave it turned off for a while

Then charge back up to 100% without interrupting

Only let it do this once a month or every 2 months.

All other times make an effort to vary where you charge it from.

I.e. for the first few days let it fall from 100 to 70% and recharge

The down to 50% and recharge

Then down to 30% and recharge

I tend to keep it above 30% charge most times letting it completely drain to 0% once a month.

So far most things i've had achieve great battery life.
 
i asked an apple expert, and they said to drain battery down to 20% or so, not all the way, and then charge it to 100% and it should be good. Do this right from the start
The "expert" is wrong. That's not what Apple recommends. Read the Battery FAQ I posted for Apple's official statements about battery care.
I try to conditioning the batteries of most things i own and i've always had pretty good success.
That's not the proper method for caring for an Apple notebook battery. Rather than make up a procedure of your own, read the Battery FAQ I posted for proper care.
 
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