Hi everyone, how’s it going?
I have a MacBook Air M2 and I want to use it closed (clamshell mode) connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. My goal is to work on battery power only — the place where I’ll be using it has very few outlets, so keeping the Mac plugged in all the time isn’t ideal.
While researching, I came across several comments saying that to use clamshell mode the Mac must be connected to the power adapter. I’m wondering if that’s still true with the newer models, especially the Air M2.
Does anyone here use their MacBook closed without being plugged in? Does it work normally?
Or is there any setting that allows clamshell mode on battery?
Honestly, I’m a bit confused about all of this…
I’ve seen multiple reports saying that when the Mac stays plugged in all day, the battery tends to wear out faster.
People even recommend using AlDente to limit the charge to 80% to prevent that.
Here’s the dilemma:
If I keep it plugged in, I can use the external monitor with the lid closed, but supposedly I might degrade the battery health faster, and I’d need an app to limit the charge.
If I use it on battery, I’d also need an app like Amphetamine to prevent it from going to sleep, and that will naturally consume cycles and reduce the battery’s lifespan.
So I’m kind of stuck in the middle… I haven’t found a solution that really makes me feel confident.
What is the best way to use a MacBook connected to an external display without damaging the battery health or unnecessarily increasing the cycle count?
Keep in mind that my goal is to use the MacBook with the lid closed and not plugged into power, but if that isn’t the best option for battery health and overall longevity, I’m willing to adjust.
Thank you!
I have a MacBook Air M2 and I want to use it closed (clamshell mode) connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. My goal is to work on battery power only — the place where I’ll be using it has very few outlets, so keeping the Mac plugged in all the time isn’t ideal.
While researching, I came across several comments saying that to use clamshell mode the Mac must be connected to the power adapter. I’m wondering if that’s still true with the newer models, especially the Air M2.
Does anyone here use their MacBook closed without being plugged in? Does it work normally?
Or is there any setting that allows clamshell mode on battery?
Honestly, I’m a bit confused about all of this…
I’ve seen multiple reports saying that when the Mac stays plugged in all day, the battery tends to wear out faster.
People even recommend using AlDente to limit the charge to 80% to prevent that.
Here’s the dilemma:
If I keep it plugged in, I can use the external monitor with the lid closed, but supposedly I might degrade the battery health faster, and I’d need an app to limit the charge.
If I use it on battery, I’d also need an app like Amphetamine to prevent it from going to sleep, and that will naturally consume cycles and reduce the battery’s lifespan.
So I’m kind of stuck in the middle… I haven’t found a solution that really makes me feel confident.
What is the best way to use a MacBook connected to an external display without damaging the battery health or unnecessarily increasing the cycle count?
Keep in mind that my goal is to use the MacBook with the lid closed and not plugged into power, but if that isn’t the best option for battery health and overall longevity, I’m willing to adjust.
Thank you!