Battery rights and wrongs

[Peter Franks]

Hi, Probably had the 13" MBP for about 3 weeks now.

Battery quoted times are usually always way above what you actually get, I understand that part. I'm using Word, Internet, Emails, and not in a massive way, but what is the average on the new MBP 2011 models..?

I calibrated when I got it, well what I take as calibrating anyway. Charged fully, left plugged in for 2 hours, then unplugged. This I think is where I need the help bit, I don't get the part after that. Am I supposed to leave it on till it dies permanently, or can I use it, turn off, use, turn off, till it dies. Leaving it on permanently it will go to sleep and then probably take forever to die if I'm not using it.

Apple say don't let it go to dead, it's not good for machine, but as I've found out, you guys are more knowledgeable than they are, Already one of my questions has been answered by you lot whereas nobody at Apple knew what i was talking about.

Am guessing the battery indicator times at top by battery depend on what you're doing at any given moment. It changes from 7hrs left, to 6, to 4 to 3 within minutes. Guess that's how it works?

What should I get from battery. Even the iPhone at 100% stays there for at least a few till you are using it, This seems to go to 80% within half hour of word processing?

 

[GGJstudios]

This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions, including accurate calibration instructions:

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

 

[Peter Franks]

Yeh, thanks. That's what I followed, But it's not answered the part about the running down bit I mentioned, that's what I was hoping you guys could answer.

 

[GGJstudios]

Yeh, thanks. That's what I followed, But it's not answered the part about the running down bit I mentioned, that's what I was hoping you guys could answer.

It's really pretty clear:

3. With the computer still on, disconnect the power adapter and continue to use your computer.

4. When you see the low battery warning, save your work and close all applications. Keep your computer turned on until it goes to sleep.

5. After your computer goes to sleep, turn it off or allow it to sleep for five hours or longer.

Also make note of the Caffeine recommendation, to keep it from sleeping, so it drains faster.

 

[Peter Franks]

So basically leave it on all night till it dies? Can't turn it off?

 

[GGJstudios]

So basically leave it on all night till it dies? Can't turn it off?

You can turn it off, but it drains faster if you leave it on and let it die on its own. Just make sure you don't have any unsaved changes in documents you might have open when you get close to drained.

 

[Peter Franks]

Thanks, so the Apple 'help' line telling me not to let it run down to no power was talking rubbish basically..

 

[GGJstudios]

Thanks, so the Apple 'help' line telling me not to let it run down to no power was talking rubbish basically..

Absolute rubbish. You can't calibrate it if you don't let it completely drain. Remember, "Genius" is only their job title.

 

[Peter Franks]

Hah! Good shout.

Thanks