Which is better for prolonging battery life

[mrmeee17]

Assuming I use my MBA a lot at home (and also at uni), which is better for prolonging battery life/integrity? Or, which degrades battery integrity more quickly?

1. Leaving it plugged in all the time
2. Let it drain before charging

Note that since I use my MBA a lot, "2" gets my charge cycles up rather quickly while "1" does not.

Thanks in advance!

 

[maflynn]

Deep drains shorten the life of the battery so I'd avoid that.

Take a look at this battery FAQ

 

[mrmeee17]

Thanks!

So it seems like it is better to just leave it plugged in as long as I let it drain to 50% at least once every 2 to 3 days.

 

[robvas]

Thanks!

So it seems like it is better to just leave it plugged in as long as I let it drain to 50% at least once every 2 to 3 days.

Wait every 2 weeks. No need to run it down every 2 days.

 

[ValSalva]

Batteries in current model Macs are very solid. It's a matter of avoiding extremes.

Avoid extreme temperatures. Avoid having it plugged in all the time without ever letting it discharge. Avoid deep discharges. Let it run down to 30%-50% every other week and you'll be fine.