Battery Question

[sam8675309]

I usually use my Macbook at home, and when I do, I use the charger with it (mac, charger, electrical wall thing). When I'm not using the Macbook, it's not plugged in to the charger. Does the time I use the macbook like this count as a charge cycle?

 

[spinnerlys]

A charge cycle means using all of the battery’s power, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a single charge. For instance, you could use your notebook for an hour or more one day, using half its power, and then recharge it fully. If you did the same thing the next day, it would count as one charge cycle, not two, so you may take several days to complete a cycle.

from Determining Battery Cycle Count

This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions: Apple Notebook Battery FAQ

Apple on notebook batteries

Apple Portable: Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance

Laptop Battery Guide

 

[snaky69]

I usually use my Macbook at home, and when I do, I use the charger with it (mac, charger, electrical wall thing). When I'm not using the Macbook, it's not plugged in to the charger. Does the time I use the macbook like this count as a charge cycle?

Why do you even bother unplugging it? Your MBP doesn't have one of those early batteries that had a memory effect, you can leave it plugged in all the time if you want.

 

[aimbdd]

wow. how many times are you going to have to post the battery guide

 

[Bernard SG]

Why do you even bother unplugging it? Your MBP doesn't have one of those early batteries that had a memory effect, you can leave it plugged in all the time if you want.

Certainly not.
It doesn't have memory effect but you need to keep the electrons moving to ensure longevity of your battery.
Use it unplugged for a while every day (like 30 minutes solid). And I mean really use it, not just unplugging.

 

[spinnerlys]

wow. how many times are you going to have to post the battery guide

As often as needed, as it contains valuable information, though not a lot of people seem to care about reading it, thus the repeated questions.

Ah, now I get it. Hmm, better six minutes late than 42.

 

[arcite]

Do macbooks run at reduced performance when in battery mode? Or is there no difference?

 

[S.B.G]

As often as needed, as it contains valuable information, though not a lot of people seem to care about reading it, thus the repeated questions.

I read it a couple of times and refer to it still occasionally.

 

[aimbdd]

Yeah, you do not want to constantly use it plugged in. The link is at the top of the fourm, and if you search there is a ton of topics about it. I was commenting on people not reading, not on you being nice enough to keep posting it Some people... haha

 

[Bernard SG]

Do macbooks run at reduced performance when in battery mode? Or is there no difference?

No difference.

 

[arcite]

No difference.

Good to know, coming from a Toshiba, they always have "high-performance mode" and energy saver, but the tradeoff in performance is annoying. Now, I don't even have to think about it anymore.