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What are the do's and dont's after getting MBA 13"? program, battery life, tricks

kulimer said:
You don't need calibration for the new models!!!
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Yes, I know that. That's clearly stated in the Battery FAQ, which I posted in the 2nd post of this thread. I was explaining the purpose of calibration and the fact that even with a properly calibrated.... or pre-calibrated... battery, the readings aren't completely accurate.
 
Or if you don't want to make your Air thicker and ugly get a sleeve.

Macman45 said:
Get a case NOW!
Then just use it.....I'm waiting for my Speck case to arrive, so my new Air is living in a towel I'm determined to keep it scratch free
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@DarwinOSX, I agree too, what did you buy? I noticed scratches on the charger, I wiped it off :), but still!:eek:

@GGJstudios: Not even talking about you. Charger finally displays 100%, at 2 cycles, current capacity is still @ 6587mAh, will keep this number updated.
 
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no matter what others say, try to minimize the use of your battery, it does have a lifespan, every time you use it, it's one cycle less. Of course, do let the electron chargers flow once in a while.
 
kulimer said:
no matter what others say, try to minimize the use of your battery, it does have a lifespan, every time you use it, it's one cycle less. Of course, do let the electron chargers flow once in a while.
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How do you avoid using the battery, when you can't even remove it? Plus, I was under the impression that using the battery while the laptop is plugged in isn't that healthy for the battery either.

So wouldn't it be better to charge the MBA to full while it is switched off, then run it solely off batt power or something? Unless you are a really heavy user, 1000 charges should be enough to see you ~ 1.5 to 2 years?
 
kulimer said:
no matter what others say, try to minimize the use of your battery, it does have a lifespan, every time you use it, it's one cycle less. Of course, do let the electron chargers flow once in a while.
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It doesn't use a cycle every time you use it. Read the Battery FAQ to understand how cycles work. Even if you use about one cycle a day, you'll hit 1000 cycles in around 3 years, which is normal. If you minimize the use of your battery too much, it can cause it to die earlier. Batteries need to be exercised to stay healthy.
Abazigal said:
How do you avoid using the battery, when you can't even remove it?
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You don't avoid using the battery.
Abazigal said:
I was under the impression that using the battery while the laptop is plugged in isn't that healthy for the battery either.
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Not true. You can use your Mac whether it's plugged in or running on battery. Either is perfectly fine. Just don't run with it plugged in all the time.
Abazigal said:
So wouldn't it be better to charge the MBA to full while it is switched off, then run it solely off batt power or something?
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No. This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions:
 
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I was wondering how to get Samsung manufactured display instead of Toshiba.

My take: go to a store, check what they have out what they have on display, if it is a Samsung they are probably selling Samsung at this store.

Because those display are pulled off from stock, chances are you will get Samsung.

The store is really telling you: "my source is Samsung not Toshiba."

@Abazigal: If you have your laptop charged, the source of power is from the charger, not the battery. Someone else confirm?

@GGJStudios: I agree with you on cycle life. It's like car mileage.
 
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kulimer said:
@Abazigal: If you have your laptop charged, the source of power is from the charger, not the battery. Someone else confirm?
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In most cases, yes. Even if the battery isn't fully charged, when you plug it in, your Mac usually runs on the AC power instead of the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, it stops charging, so it cannot overcharge, even if you leave it plugged in. However, during periods of very high demands on the system, it may draw power from both AC power and the battery, causing the charging process to slow down or stop temporarily.
 
Thanks for the link. I may be getting a MBA sometime later this year and it seems I still have a lot to learn. :)

Off to read.
 
kulimer said:
go to a store, check what they have out on display, if it is a Samsung they are probably selling Samsung at this store.

Because those display are pulled off from stock, chances are you will get Samsung.
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Would this method work?
 
I personally think battery life is like are car milage, you are given 1000 cycles, every time you use one cycle, it's an extra cycle added.

Just like your car, you shouldn't not use it. Drive it once in a while is good, but if you are going 100 miles freeway every day, it's bad for the car.

What I am saying might be extreme, but what I am saying is for your own good. KEEP YOUR BATTERY CHARGED WHEN POSSIBLE!!
 
nebulos said:
Question: How are the panels different?
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The LG (not Toshiba) display has a little bit narrower vertical viewing angle.

anandtech said:
As far as the LCD panel lottery goes I'd say the LG and Samsung panels are pretty similar, with the Samsung being a bit better about vertical viewing angles. My personal preference is the Samsung but after using the LG exclusively for a couple of days I no longer have any complaints. Unfortunately both are TN panels and thus have inherent, highly annoying issues with viewing angle.


http://www.anandtech.com/show/4554/apples-11inch-macbook-air-core-i7-18ghz-review-update/6
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/Emphasis mine.

If Anand says it's not a big deal, it's probably not a big deal.
 
jdechko said:
The LG (not Toshiba) display has a little bit narrower vertical viewing angle. ... If Anand says it's not a big deal, it's probably not a big deal.
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sorry. i just like to ask people that are set on the Samsung, so much so that they're willing to scheme for one, what the difference is, because i think most of them have no idea.

from what i've read and seen, i think there are some differences, but some are in favor of the LG, and either way, indeed, the differences are seem pretty minimal.
 
nebulos said:
from what i've read and seen, i think there are some differences, but some are in favor of the LG, and either way, indeed, the differences are seem pretty minimal.
Click to expand...

Exactly.

So my Do's and Dont's are as follows:

DON'T look up the SSD manufacturer.
DON'T look up the display manufacturer.
DO love your new Air.
DO use it.
 
I just want my Samsung instead of Toshiba, who wants to swap? jk
 
I exchanged for another laptop, and now the battery reads
Design Capacity: 6700mAh
Current Capacity: 6700mAh

old one
Current Capacity: 6500 mAh
still measured by the same program, istat
There is a variation battery quality, be careful, there is bad "Apple" out there (see what i did there :p)
 
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