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Why can't I use my ACD with my Macbook running off battery?

I

InfiniteLoopy

Cancelled
Original poster
Dec 14, 2010
366
5
Hi all,

As soon as I unplug my MacBook's magsafe, the ACD switches off.
I'm worried that as the battery isn't being used, it may get damaged as I only use the MacBook in this way.

Does anyone know why I can't use the ACD like this?

Thanks,
 
Ah OK. That's strange. Is there a technical reason for it?
I notice that my battery drops down to 97% and recharges. Does it risk anything if it's never used in another way?
 
InfiniteLoopy said:
Ah OK. That's strange. Is there a technical reason for it?
I notice that my battery drops down to 97% and recharges. Does it risk anything if it's never used in another way?
Click to expand...
Batteries won't always recharge from 97%. They usually have to drop lower before they recharge.
It is also normal that your battery may not charge to 100%. The battery may appear to stop charging between 93 percent and 99 percent, because the batteries are designed to avoid short discharge/charge cycles in order to prolong the overall life of the battery.
Click to expand...
This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions: Apple Notebook Battery FAQ
 
Thanks.

Is there a way I can still use the ACD but let the battery be used, as advised in your instructions?
 
simsaladimbamba said:
It seems, one can't use an external display while running on batter power.
Click to expand...

I'm currently running a 15" i7 MBP (April 2010) on battery power driving an external monitor (Samsung 24"). Perhaps it depends on the model - I had an earlier MBP that wouldn't.

I occasionally run the battery down while working to recalibrate it which is why I'm doing it unplugged now.
 
plinden said:
I'm currently running a 15" i7 MBP (April 2010) on battery power driving an external monitor (Samsung 24"). Perhaps it depends on the model - I had an earlier MBP that wouldn't.

I occasionally run the battery down while working to recalibrate it which is why I'm doing it unplugged now.
Click to expand...
Are you in clamshell mode, or do you have the MBP lid open?
 
In my experience you can run an external monitor using battery power if the screen is open. If the screen is closed (clamshell mode) then you must be plugged in. No idea why it's like that.
 
plinden said:
I'm currently running a 15" i7 MBP (April 2010) on battery power driving an external monitor (Samsung 24"). Perhaps it depends on the model - I had an earlier MBP that wouldn't.

I occasionally run the battery down while working to recalibrate it which is why I'm doing it unplugged now.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I remember now. One can't use CLAMSHELL MODE while on battery power, which strange, as powering one display should be less battery consuming than powering two displays.
 
I didn't want to always plug it in as I thought that wasn't good for the battery (I never really use the Mac other than at my desk, with the ACD).

Yes, it seems to work with the lid open; seemingly, it's clamshell mode which requires the power ... strange ...
 
InfiniteLoopy said:
I didn't want to always plug it in as I thought that wasn't good for the battery (I never really use the Mac other than at my desk, with the ACD).
Click to expand...
It's OK to run with it plugged in a lot of of the time. Just unplug and run on battery for a few hours every few days, and you'll be fine. Read the FAQ link I posted in post #4 for more details on proper care for your battery.
 
OK thanks for the advice.
I'll just open the lid and unplug it to let the battery be used every so often.
 
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