Brand new macbook pro can't last more than 3-4 hours

[GuitarG20]

Haha, I already answered that I use safari, and someone said the gfxcardstatus thing as well.

Sorry, missed that.

Im watching a video on my external screen.

Ah, if you're connecting using the TB port, the gfxCardStatus trick won't work for you, since you need the dedicated GFX (at least on the early 2011 MBPs) to do anything with the TB port.

This also explains your battery draining so fast. The 7 hour estimate is with only the integrated graphics, not running the dedicated graphics. I'd say 4 hours with an external screen running is exceptional.

And in regards to you saying that it was draining that fast before you plugged in the external screen, it's entirely possible that another program is engaging the dedicated card. All of these, and more, do:

 

[Ant.honey]

It's got to be because his mac is running too hot due to improper thermal paste application, the wrong ram, the wrong SSD, a 5400 rpm drive vs a 7200 rpm one, the wrong case/sleeve, it's a 13" vs a 17" or vise versa, it's not thin enough, should have waited for the next update, shouldn't have waited for this update, the wrong 'which' chosen, some other random rumor or speculation, it's not pro enough, it's too pro, not abandoned, Lion, not Lion....

Seek help immediately.

 

[Stetrain]

But what could course it to use so much more than it should?

Driving pixels on an external screen and decoding video to display there is going to use more power than just idling or scrolling through webpages on the built in screen. I believe also that running an external screen always uses the dedicated GPU, rather than the Intel GPU.

 

[TheJing]

It's got to be because his mac is running too hot due to improper thermal paste application, the wrong ram, the wrong SSD, a 5400 rpm drive vs a 7200 rpm one, the wrong case/sleeve, it's a 13" vs a 17" or vise versa, it's not thin enough, should have waited for the next update, shouldn't have waited for this update, the wrong 'which' chosen, some other random rumor or speculation, it's not pro enough, it's too pro, not abandoned, Lion, not Lion....

Seek help immediately.

That was a long sentence. And also, what are you talking about?

 

[thundersteele]

Im watching a video on my external screen.

Ok, why are you even concerned about battery duration when you are using an external screen? Just plug it into the same power outlet that powers the screen.

Most likely, nothing is wrong with your laptop. You are putting a heavy load on your system, and that is causing the CPU to use more power. This is just normal.

If you are unsure what is causing the heavy load on your system, post a screenshot of the activity monitor.

 

[sjinsjca]

Do a proper, uninterrupted battery recalibration.

And realize that your mileage will vary depending on usage, just as it does with your car. Drive the thing hard, you'll use more fuel.

 

[ancelrick]

If somethings wrong with the machine or the battery, I would get it replaced by Apple, wouldn't I? I just bought it the 8th this month.

i suspect you won't be happy with a new battery or a new computer either. You'll still get 3-4 hours.

It doesn't sound like there is anything wrong. Stop watching the battery meter. It's not like the fuel gauge on your car.

display brightness, bluetooth, wi-fi, external displays, flash (or anything that makes your CPU usage high), optical drive, Hard disks are big power hogs. figure out how to get your usage wattage down, and deal with it.

 

[MathiasLa]

Thanks for all the answers. Ill see how It'll go in a day of school only using word and not the external screen. Ill get back to you

 

[MathiasLa]

It's got to be because his mac is running too hot due to improper thermal paste application, the wrong ram, the wrong SSD, a 5400 rpm drive vs a 7200 rpm one, the wrong case/sleeve, it's a 13" vs a 17" or vise versa, it's not thin enough, should have waited for the next update, shouldn't have waited for this update, the wrong 'which' chosen, some other random rumor or speculation, it's not pro enough, it's too pro, not abandoned, Lion, not Lion....

Seek help immediately.

Stop trolling brah brah.