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Just got my HyperMac battery (with pics)
- Thread starter alphaod
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After one day mine is now broke.
Well, I left my HyperMac battery plugged in all night. When I woke up I checked the power bars and it was still at the same 2 bars when I first plugged it in at. Shortly thereafter the pushing the power button no longer shows the battery level. And when I plug in the AC adaptor, it does not light up any more.
Is there anything I can do to fix it?
Sorry to hear that. I'm sure if you call them they will set up an exchange; they even offered to exchange mine after I told them it looked used.
Well my still works... and where'd you get that parts price number? Please link, so I can check it out.
Probably because Apple wants you to buy their batteries? And different sets for each computer model.
It would be funny to see someone do this in a cramped airplane. They'd probably lose 1/2 of the screws.
A year or so ago, I read some article about US customs searching your laptop, and someone recommended that you put a blank or old HDD in the thing, then put the real HDD in on the airplane.
Obviously the issue is if you're computer doesn't boot they may suspect you have something else... Also if how would you get the "real" HDD through security; they may ask to inspect that too.
Where can I get a spare battery for my uMBP 17"? Don't say it's swappable because Apple or a skilled user can do it with parts that end users can't buy. Otherwise the logic board would also be "swappable."
If you search hard enough, you probably could find a battery, but it would cost a lot. But with time, you'll be able to get one easily enough.
I've searched before to no avail. Maybe my google skill needs work. Or you mean I can smuggle it from Apple's factory in China or something along those lines?
Looks like I'm going to have to contact them. My battery first refused to recharge, then the battery indicator wouldn't work, and now it does not turn on at all.
I'm now going to be trapped on the road without a laptop for the next 6 hours. I'll update with their response.
I'm just curious, what is the practical application of a device like this?
I guess you can also use it as a weapon in case there is a wild animal inside the cave.
So there you have the answer. Apple won't do something huge or fat, even if it's of great use to everyone. Unless its a mac pro for some reason.
Okay after some grueling tests and what I think of the battery…
It's fine for some use, but don't expect this thing to power your computer through FC editiing settings. The best I got out of this while running 8 1080p movies in loops, with 4/16 brightness, and no WiFi, while powering an external FW800 drive and a USB sound card, was 7:35 (H:MM); not bad, but not terribly impressive either. Recall from a previous test, It got around 16 hours after some light usage browsing the internet and such—that time was a lot more impressive.
I suspect there is an inherent problem with this solution: when you are unplugged on the normal computer battery, the computer senses it is in battery mode it automatically uses a lower clock and reduced voltage settings. This saves power and ensures longer battery run-times; with the external battery attached, the computer thinks it is plugged into an "unlimited" AC power source, so it draws the maximum current, and maxes the power needed to power the computer for the same work; this of course means battery power is not being efficiently used and power is depleted a lot faster.
This problem is further compounded by the fact that Apple removed the option for the user to change from "Better battery life" where no matter what it uses a reduced clock, "Normal" where it autoclocks according to use (which is what the computer uses now in AC mode), and "Better Performance" and its max performance settings.
I think the best target market for this battery is consumers who will be working on-the-go, most doing emails, word processing, light gaming (like chess or something), and internet browsing (via WiFi). It is not for people who are planning to run production studios in their expedition—a generator of some sort is still better. Maybe if you are planning to play movies on your next 14 hour flight, it may be better to run your movies off your internal disk, skip any connected peripheral, and don't play HD. That would make sure it doesn't tax your processor, nor draw more power than needed. I guess if you can't get more than 10 hours by carrying an extra 4.5 lbs (2 kg), it's not worth carrying at all!
It's fine for some use, but don't expect this thing to power your computer through FC editiing settings. The best I got out of this while running 8 1080p movies in loops, with 4/16 brightness, and no WiFi, while powering an external FW800 drive and a USB sound card, was 7:35 (H:MM); not bad, but not terribly impressive either. Recall from a previous test, It got around 16 hours after some light usage browsing the internet and such—that time was a lot more impressive.
I suspect there is an inherent problem with this solution: when you are unplugged on the normal computer battery, the computer senses it is in battery mode it automatically uses a lower clock and reduced voltage settings. This saves power and ensures longer battery run-times; with the external battery attached, the computer thinks it is plugged into an "unlimited" AC power source, so it draws the maximum current, and maxes the power needed to power the computer for the same work; this of course means battery power is not being efficiently used and power is depleted a lot faster.
This problem is further compounded by the fact that Apple removed the option for the user to change from "Better battery life" where no matter what it uses a reduced clock, "Normal" where it autoclocks according to use (which is what the computer uses now in AC mode), and "Better Performance" and its max performance settings.
I think the best target market for this battery is consumers who will be working on-the-go, most doing emails, word processing, light gaming (like chess or something), and internet browsing (via WiFi). It is not for people who are planning to run production studios in their expedition—a generator of some sort is still better. Maybe if you are planning to play movies on your next 14 hour flight, it may be better to run your movies off your internal disk, skip any connected peripheral, and don't play HD. That would make sure it doesn't tax your processor, nor draw more power than needed. I guess if you can't get more than 10 hours by carrying an extra 4.5 lbs (2 kg), it's not worth carrying at all!
I just received my 60Wh battery today, and after charging for 8 hours, I have only managed a paltry 90 minutes (and the HyperMac was running HOT!) - hence I read your thoughts with interest... will definitely play around with the power settings to see if I can get a better result - I seem to be able to choose "Better Energy Savings" under "Power Adapter" mode? I think you may find if again if you update to 10.5.7...?
HyperMac - any comments on the theory that the Mac draws FULL POWER when on the HyperMac battery?
Unfortunately Apple's rates are all BS, so that would mean data extrapolated from BS data is also BS.
Like I said, I can't get anything close to 27.5 hours are rated, but that's not to say it's disappointing at all. It's is actually expected.
In reality the best I can do with my internal battery when browsing the Internet via wireless with 1/16 brightness is 4 hours and since that is 1/5 short of what Apple says can be done, I'd say the maximum is around 20 hours, which is really best case scenario.
Unless you are physically testing the battery life yourselves, those times are simply "advertised". This is the time I got; I am not disputing your claims, just with my tests.
How do I know if the battery is fully charged? I mean the meter doesn't exactly help as my battery came charged, but the moment I pulled out the cord it lost a bar.
The AC adapter is currently showing red, however when I pull it out it goes green. I'm assuming when the AC adapter light turns green, its fully charged?
The instructions didn't really clarify this.
Edit >> Just as I hit the Submit Post button the adapter turned green.
The AC adapter is currently showing red, however when I pull it out it goes green. I'm assuming when the AC adapter light turns green, its fully charged?
The instructions didn't really clarify this.
Edit >> Just as I hit the Submit Post button the adapter turned green.
I've tried fully charging (8 hours each time), and then discharging my 60Wh Hypermac several times over the past few days, and I must say that I'm pretty disappointed.
So far, I have managed only 1.5 hours of run time with the external battery (before my internal battery starts draining), and that's with fairly conservative power settings (with the energy saver settings set for "Better Energy Savings", the screen turned to 1/2 brightness, and only light use (running Safari, Skype, MSN, Mail and Parallels).
Since my internal battery lasts a good 4 hours of use still, I figured that this would give me at least 2.5 - 3 hours (although I believe the claim was 4 hours) - I dunno if it could be a faulty unit, but it DOES seem wierd that the 4th LED switches off the moment I plug in my MBP. Anyway, I really don't see myself recommending anyone this model - if they really need the power, then they should spring for the 100Wh (although that's really starting to get big if you're on planes twice a week the way I am).
Who knows - maybe the battery needs several more charge cycles to get to maximum capacity? Will definitely report back if it gets any better - at the moment, this is a mere novelty.
So far, I have managed only 1.5 hours of run time with the external battery (before my internal battery starts draining), and that's with fairly conservative power settings (with the energy saver settings set for "Better Energy Savings", the screen turned to 1/2 brightness, and only light use (running Safari, Skype, MSN, Mail and Parallels).
Since my internal battery lasts a good 4 hours of use still, I figured that this would give me at least 2.5 - 3 hours (although I believe the claim was 4 hours) - I dunno if it could be a faulty unit, but it DOES seem wierd that the 4th LED switches off the moment I plug in my MBP. Anyway, I really don't see myself recommending anyone this model - if they really need the power, then they should spring for the 100Wh (although that's really starting to get big if you're on planes twice a week the way I am).
Who knows - maybe the battery needs several more charge cycles to get to maximum capacity? Will definitely report back if it gets any better - at the moment, this is a mere novelty.
so sorry but i have to do the michael scott:
1. thats what she said
2. thats what she said
3. thats what she said
4. thats what she said
5. thats what she said?
I think i might get one of these now. i need something that can be charged in the car.