How to Get Good Battery Life?

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by brokenbuyer, Jun 22, 2011.

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  1. brokenbuyer, Jun 22, 2011

    brokenbuyer macrumors regular

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    May 7, 2011
    #1
    I'm looking for a few more tips to make my battery last a bit longer.
    Using the new MBP 13" 2.3GHz, 4GB Ram, base line model.

    • Turn off Bluetooth
    • Turn off Remote Control IR Receiver
    • Turn off Airport when not using
    • Screen Brightness Down
    • Keyboard Backlight off
    • Battery Calibration Once a Month
    • Energy Saver factory defaults
    • Nothing in Superdrive
    • Always close screen when not using (sleep) or turn off
    • Run only apps I'm using/need
    • smcFanControl if gets too hot (don't know if this is related :p)
     
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  2. bozz2006, Jun 22, 2011

    bozz2006 macrumors 68030

    bozz2006

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    #2
    The very best way to conserve battery is to make sure that you never ever use the computer.

    Seriously, dude, if you're doing all that stuff already, you're in good shape. Maybe you don't mind having your screen super-dim, and if that's cool with you, great. Me, I like having a bright screen. And I like having a bright screen more than I like getting an extra 30 minutes of battery life. That's just me. Something to think about.
     
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  3. GGJstudios, Jun 22, 2011

    GGJstudios macrumors Westmere

    GGJstudios

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    #3
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  4. blueroom, Jun 22, 2011

    blueroom macrumors 603

    blueroom

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    #4
    It really depends on what software you're running. Add Flashblocker to the list.
     
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  5. leftywamumonkey, Jun 22, 2011

    leftywamumonkey macrumors 6502a

    leftywamumonkey

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    #5
    Click to Flash
    Join Youtube HTML 5 Program
     
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  6. brokenbuyer, Jun 22, 2011

    brokenbuyer thread starter macrumors regular

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    #6
    Thanks. Reading.

    Using Opera.
    But yes, I do that (Enable plug-ins only on demand)
     
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  7. akasch, Jun 22, 2011

    akasch macrumors regular

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    #7
    install gfxcardstatus and set to integrated
     
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  8. brokenbuyer, Jun 22, 2011

    brokenbuyer thread starter macrumors regular

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    #8
    Done.
    Can I ask what this does tho? When I delete this app will it goes back to system defaults?
     
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  9. akasch, Jun 22, 2011

    akasch macrumors regular

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    #9

    It only allows the computer to use the integrated graphics card. On the 2011s (atleast on my 15 in) when you use Chrome it uses the discrete and destroys my battery life while browsing (like goes form 8 hours to 4 hours). It also helps on other programs like iphoto and stuff. If you need better graphic performance or use an external display switch it to dynamic switching.
     
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  10. Duke15, Jun 22, 2011

    Duke15 macrumors 6502

    Duke15

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    #10
    How much does battery calibrating help?
     
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  11. DWBurke811, Jun 22, 2011

    DWBurke811 macrumors 6502a

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    #11
    Under-volt with CoolBook. It's honestly the only app/program/OS I would ever pay for.
     
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  12. alust2013, Jun 22, 2011

    alust2013 macrumors 601

    alust2013

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    #12
    It doesn't do anything for your computer. You only have one graphics card

    only the 15s and 17s have the discrete card

    It doesn't help with battery life, it just makes the estimation for how long it will last and what percent is left more accurate as the battery's health changes.
     
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  13. brokenbuyer, Jun 22, 2011

    brokenbuyer thread starter macrumors regular

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    #13
    So I deleted my post thinking alust's post was mine since we quoted/said almost the same things. LOL

    One question was if that program would work for me. I figured that I didn't have another graphics card.
    gfxCardStatus deleted.

    Anymore tips?
     
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  14. blueroom, Jun 22, 2011

    blueroom macrumors 603

    blueroom

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    #14
    How much battery life are you hoping to get? Is it only web browsing you want?
     
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  15. Yumunum, Jun 22, 2011

    Yumunum macrumors 65816

    Yumunum

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    #15
    Run Windows on it, always improved battery for me. /joking

    Seriously though, you seem to be doing almost everything you need to be doing, just make sure not to leave many CPU/GPU intensive tasks running in the background. Games, ect.
     
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  16. brokenbuyer, Jun 22, 2011

    brokenbuyer thread starter macrumors regular

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    #16
    Not sure. As much as I can get. I do other stuff too. But if I'm offline I want maximum battery to do stuff. (offline work, games, etc).

    I'm also pretty sure I'm not getting to the said 7hrs for WiFi browsing.

    Hehe.
    Thanks.
     
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  17. blueroom, Jun 23, 2011

    blueroom macrumors 603

    blueroom

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    #17
    I have a HyperMac 060 portable MBP charger. This is how I extend the runtime. If the MBP is brand new return it and get a refurbished mid 2010 as the C2D seems a little less thirsty than the ix Intels. OR get an iPad for surfing.
     
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  18. brokenbuyer, Jun 23, 2011

    brokenbuyer thread starter macrumors regular

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    #18
    I'll pass on returning.
    Guess I'm doing the best I can already.

    In the future I'll probably get a iSound or HyperMac.
     
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