Using M1 as a desktop power question..Ifr

[harleymhs]

Hey guys , my wife has a M1 Air .. we want to hook up a dell ultrasharp 27 monitor .. will the air know that a monitor is plugged in and when we close it it will stay on ? Also if she leaves it plugged in on her desk most of the time will this hurt the battery ? Thank you in advance

 

[Apple_Robert]

Here is the support document for using the MBA in clamshell mode.

Connect a display to your Mac - Apple Support

Mac computers support one or more external displays, depending on the Mac model. Here's how to connect an external display.

support.apple.com

As to the battery, as long as you discharge the battery for about 15minutes (or so a day) you should be fine. The battery won't stay at 100% capacity. Over time, it will degrade. That happens for all of us with laptops.

I use the following app to remind me when I need to allow my M1 MBA battery to discharge and for how long. Great app by the way.

‎Better Battery 2: Stats & Info

‎Better Battery 2 shows information and stats of your MacBook battery in the menu bar. So you are always aware of the current battery stats, battery time and health. Standard Edition: The Standard Edition is free and provides current stats and infos about the battery such as current charge...

apps.apple.com

 

[ignatius345]

I'd say also make sure "optimized charging" is set if you're leaving it plugged in. I believe it will keep the battery from being charged to 100%, which helps with preserving capacity over the long run, I gather.

 

[harleymhs]

Thank you Guys!