9

Possible Duplicate:
Is it better to use laptop on battery or on AC power?

I never turn off a macbook pro I've at home. It's always connected with the power source, but with the lid closed.

Is there a problem? Is the battery going to die slowly because of this?

Improve this question
4
  • possible duplicate of Is it better to use laptop on battery or on AC power?, Is it ok to keep your macbook plugged in when battery light is green?, ...
    – Arjan
    Commented Jan 19, 2011 at 20:20
  • (It's not clear to me if you're using the MacBook with the lid closed. But still then: there's many duplicates here.)
    – Arjan
    Commented Jan 19, 2011 at 20:22
  • @Arjan You can work with peripherals with the lid closed. Otherwise, accessories like BookArc would be really pointless.
    – Daniel Beck ♦
    Commented Jan 20, 2011 at 11:34
  • Hehe, @Daniel, I know. It's just not clear to me if the user is always keeping the MacBook running while connected to the A/C adapter. Closing the lid might also put it into hibernation. Anyway, given the body text and the 3 tags about battery life, and no reaction to my comments, it's a duplicate in my opinion.
    – Arjan
    Commented Jan 20, 2011 at 11:48

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
7

If you can, try to run the battery down every now and again. From Apple:

Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her notebook on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing. If on the other hand, you use a desktop computer at work, and save a notebook for infrequent travel, Apple recommends charging and discharging its battery at least once per month.

Improve this answer
6

This debate very often pops up here. Long story short: Make sure you unplug it every once in a while (maybe weekly) and let it drain and charge. It is important to cycle the battery every once in a while for both the health and calibration of the battery. Check Apple's site for very specific Macbook battery tips here.

For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it’s important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her notebook on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing.

Improve this answer
3
  • I gave CaseyIT my vote because he posted first, but otherwise, a good answer.
    – user3463
    Commented Jan 19, 2011 at 20:39
  • @Randolph Potter - Why not upvote both? ;) Good answers are good answers.
    – Shinrai
    Commented Jan 19, 2011 at 20:59
  • They point to the same link. I'm torn ... :-) Oh well, I'll relent.
    – user3463
    Commented Jan 19, 2011 at 22:51
2

There are heat concerns - with the lid closed, there is less space for the heat to circulate. The hotter many computer parts are, the more likely they will have a shortened lifespan.

Improve this answer
0

If you're worried about the battery dying, and don't ever need battery power, just remove the battery (if you have one of the newer ones), and see if the computer will remain on. Some power supplies have different circuits for charging and powering the laptop directly. Don't do this. Instead, do what others suggested and occasionally fully drain the battery (once every 2 weeks to 1 month should suffice).

I would also recommend you turn off your screen (just dim the brightness all the way) so you don't wear out (or burn in) your LCD.

Improve this answer
2
  • 3
    Do not use MacBooks while the battery is removed, it will decrease performance.
    – Arjan
    Commented Jan 19, 2011 at 20:21
  • Fixed. I can see why this happens, but I don't agree with it, I think it's kinda dumb.
    – qJake
    Commented Jan 19, 2011 at 22:47

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .