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TribeLeader · Jul 14, 2009, 10:06 PM

Just got a new MBP to replace my first Mac, a PowerBook. While I never had to replace the battery, it's now pretty weak -- it was virtually always plugged in.

I want to make the most of my new battery. After reading Apple's page I understand the basic advice to be ...

(1) Don't keep it plugged in all time, use the battery some, then charge. In other words, keep the juices flowing.

(2) Especially if it's plugged in a lot, fully discharge/recharge once a month.

But I'm wondering what that might look like, especially in my case. I'm usually working at home, but 2-3 hours 3 days/week I'm at an office outside the home.

What do you do? How do you make the most of your battery life?

ApertureValue · Jul 14, 2009, 11:08 PM

I do exactly what you mentioned: I'll use my MBP off A/C power until about 50% or so, then plug it in and let it charge up. As far as "conditioning" your battery the proper way, that's about all I'm aware of (at least with newer lithium-based batteries).

mduell · Jul 15, 2009, 04:45 PM

Complete at least 1 cycle a month. That doesn't mean drain to dead and recharge; a couple partial cycles is better.

Aside from that, just use your computer so it meets your business/personal needs and don't worry if it's the best possible treatment for the battery.

Simon · Jul 15, 2009, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by TribeLeader

(2) Especially if it's plugged in a lot, fully discharge/recharge once a month.

The full discharge/recharge is required to recalibrate the battery life estimate (menu bar). It does nothing for your batter's health per se. If the calibration isn't off, there's no need to do it.

Instead, "keep the juices flowing" by partially discharging the battery and then recharging it. Three 33% discharges a month are better than one deep discharge per month.

mduell · Jul 15, 2009, 06:38 PM

Simon and mduell agree, thread over.

TribeLeader · Jul 16, 2009, 04:16 PM

Thanks for the advice/feedback. That's helpful!

ApertureValue · Jul 16, 2009, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by Simon

Instead, "keep the juices flowing" by partially discharging and then recharging. Three 33% discharges a month are better than one deep discharge per month.

There. Fixed.