MacBook Air 15 clam clamshell always connected

[al404]

I have a M1 Mac mini and MacBook Air 13 M2
Just got a MacBook Air 15 M3 16Gb and 512 storage

In first place I was thinking to sell the M2 MacBook Air 13

Now I was thinking that the Mac mini is probably the Mac I should sell and use my MacBook Air 15 as main computer when I'm home and take it outside when I travel

I work full remote, it means that it would be powered at least 8 hours per day

It kind of scares me the fact that MacBook would be full time power
Would it skip the battery when it will be full charged or it will be constantly charging and discharging?

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

In the macOS beta it shows in the battery settings that your computer in clamshell mode and it goes into battery optimization mode pretty much instantly. I do have a Studio display so maybe it’s unique to that but I don’t think it goes past 80%.

 

[Bigwaff]

macOS optimized battery charging feature will "learn" your charging habits. If you leave the MBA connected to charger, optimized battery charging feature will try to maintain battery charge level at 80%. If you unplug at certain times of day, optimized battery charging feature will learn, and charge battery to 100% so you have full battery charge for when you unplug.

The best macOS feature you don't know you're using: Optimized Battery Charging

System setting helps your MacBook's battery last longer.

www.macworld.com

 

[al404]

I know that MacOs optimize battery usage but after 3 years of continuous power will my MacBook's battery work well?
To replace the battery I guess it would much more expensive of what I can get selling my Mac mini M1 ( 16GB RAM 512Gb SSD )

 

[Bigwaff]

I know that MacOs optimize battery usage but after 3 years of continuous power will my MacBook's battery work well?

“Work well”.. as in hold a charge? Yes. I have 2019 MBP which has been perpetually plugged in for nearly 5 years and battery health is 86%. I also calibrate the battery every couple months.

 

[arcite]

I wager it won’t be optimal. The air has no internal fan, no way to disipate heat…and I’m sure the design considerations assume the user has the lid open most of the time, not in clamshell mode. You’d be better served to use the various macs for their intended purposes…. For a stationary computer, use a mac mini.

 

[rocketbuc]

I’m working with my MacBook Air M2 mostly in clamshell mode and ”normal“ during travel. Don’t see any problems to use the computer connected, I am limiting the battery charge to 50 or 80% with the Al Dente app. Works fine and keeps my battery healthy.

 

[applesith]

I use my 13 M2 Air in clamshell mode all the time while working for the day and I will unplug it at the end of the day once a week to let it drain a bit while I keep my hub with monitor plugged in and then let it charge to 80% and keep it that way for a bit.

 

[CalMin]

Don't overthink it. It has been engineered to be used that way and MacOS will handle the hardware optimizations. If you're really worried then get AppleCare+ and/or use an app such as Al Dente to limit the charge to 80% to prolong the battery (I use it, but honestly I'm not sure if it benefits or not).

Worst case scenario you will need a new battery in a few years time. Generally, my advice is to try to think of my battery like tires on a car. From time to time they need replacing. There's nothing you can do to prevent it, so just enjoy your new MacBook!