rMBP—4 hours battery? How to improve this?

[6749974]

I've had this (refurb) mid 2014 15" rMBP (NVIDIA 750m) for a five days now. From unplugging, I'm seeing 4 hours battery time. I was expecting up to 8 hours as advertised (6 to be realistic). I was seeing 3 hours from a 5 year old MacBook Air. (Example: Unplugged an hour ago and it says 3:17 remaining. All I'm using is Safari, iTunes, and Airplaying the music to Apple TV). I already use Safari only and keep brightness 2/3rd the way. I doubt the 750m GPU is kicking in during web and music.

Is this normal for you guys? What expectations should I have?

What are some best practices to maximize battery? Plug-ins, software, settings?

Thanks.

 

[PennCentralFan]

I think it's the airplay that is doing your battery in. Can you just keep your computer plugged in? I mean unless you're somewhere where you can't have access to a plug just keep it plugged in.

 

[6749974]

I think it's the airplay that is doing your battery in.

I'll make Airplay a power-adaptor-only activity, per your suggestion. Thanks.

 

[yjchua95]

I've had this (refurb) mid 2014 15" rMBP (NVIDIA 750m) for a five days now. From unplugging, I'm seeing 4 hours battery time. I was expecting up to 8 hours as advertised (6 to be realistic). I was seeing 3 hours from a 5 year old MacBook Air. (Example: Unplugged an hour ago and it says 3:17 remaining. All I'm using is Safari, iTunes, and Airplaying the music to Apple TV). I already use Safari only and keep brightness 2/3rd the way. I doubt the 750m GPU is kicking in during web and music.

Is this normal for you guys? What expectations should I have?

What are some best practices to maximize battery? Plug-ins, software, settings?

Thanks.

AirPlay.

Found your problem.

I use gfxcardstatus to disable the 750M card in my machine when on battery power.

 

[Famousaudio]

I'll make Airplay a power-adaptor-only activity, per your suggestion. Thanks.

how do you make Airplay a power-adaptor-only activity?

 

[6749974]

I use gfxcardstatus to disable the 750M card in my machine when on battery power.

Thanks, I'll install that now.

AirPlay.

Found your problem.

True. I'm seeing close to 6h usage now that I'm not using Airplay.

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how do you make Airplay a power-adaptor-only activity?

By that I mean I will only use Airplay when using the power adaptor (plugged in). I'm borrowing the lingo from Control Panel > Energy Saver where you're either in Battery mode or Power Adaptor mode.