Why would you keep the MacBook always plugged in, whenever possible, for long periods?

[BigMcGuire]

I have used AlDente since it was an open source project by its devs. It has greatly increased the longevity of my MacBook batteries because I use my MacBooks in clamshell mode with external monitors on my desk most of their lives. I have to fly / drive to sites for work now and then so I need a laptop.

AlDente allows me to bypass the battery and run off wall power while keeping the battery at a very relaxed state of charge (50-60-70%).

This has done wonders for my MBP 16' 2021 battery health and longevity.

Before AlDente my batteries would be below 80% and needing replacement by this time.

AlDente: (I manually move the charge bar now and then)

Apple Power:

 

[ignatius345]

Apple's battery management works very well. My M4 MBP stays charged to 80% even though it's plugged in about 95% of the time.

Exactly. This is what happens if -- like my older relative -- you leave your MacBook Air sitting on the charger 24/7/365:



Apple's battery management kicks in and limits charging to 80% automatically. No problem.

Next time I remote into her machine, I'll check the battery health out of curiosity. The battery of this M2 Air will probably have like 5 cycles on it, if that, having been on AC power almost continuously for several years.

All this obsession over battery health is just a really really boring hobby. It's a consumable part.

 

[m1maverick]

All this obsession over battery health is just a really really boring hobby. It's a consumable part.

It might be consumable but it's a concern now that it cannot be easily replaced.

 

[chmania]

80% seems to be the agreed upon limit to charge a battery unless the full capacity is needed.

Have look here and here and here, whether it is Aldente or some other command line script. The full capacity is never needed, considering MacBooks, especially the newer silicon Macs. 80% or less will keep you going the whole day. And, carry the charger with you, as wall sockets, table sockets etc are all over the place.

 

[m1maverick]

Have look here and here and here, whether it is Aldente or some other command line script. The full capacity is never needed, considering MacBooks, especially the newer silicon Macs. 80% or less will keep you going the whole day. And, carry the charger with you, as wall sockets, table sockets etc are all over the place.

Uh, OK...and?

 

[ignatius345]

It might be consumable but it's a concern now that it cannot be easily replaced.

It can very easily be replaced.

 

[m1maverick]

It can very easily be replaced.

Uh, that's not what I meant and I suspect you knew that.

 

[ignatius345]

Uh, that's not what I meant and I suspect you knew that.

Assume you means "open the machine and do it yourself" but I don't see how that's relevant. Batteries are still easily replacable. One can use the battery as designed until it doesn't hold a sufficient charge for one's uses, and then have the battery replaced.

 

[danpass]

I keep it plugged in.

But I also use AlDente app to control max charge rate. I keep it set to 70%.

Without AlDente I’d have to rely on the Mac battery smarts and I’d rather have direct control.

-

 

[BigMcGuire]

Yep, and 60% is far easier on the battery than 80% - which is still a lot better than 100%

 

[Scottish_Scrooge]

I tend to use MBA M2 in clamshell mode 90% of the time, but never get capped at 80%