MommaKaren

Q: Protocol for seldom used new Mac book pro

I purchased my Mac Book pro in February 2015 as a back up for traveling, yet I am finding that I am only traveling a few times a year.

I am wondering if there is anything special I should be doing to make sure it stays "fresh out of the box" when I need it. Should I use it once a week? Should I shut it down and keep it in a cool place? Just wondering if there are any protocols for making sure I am not damaging it somehow through lack of use.

Thanks for your suggestions!
Karen

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.1)

Posted on May 31, 2015 2:26 PM

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Q: Protocol for seldom used new Mac book pro

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  • by K Shaffer,Apple recommended

    K Shaffer K Shaffer May 31, 2015 2:30 PM in response to MommaKaren
    Level 6 (14,523 points)
    Desktops
    May 31, 2015 2:30 PM in response to MommaKaren

    •Mac notebooks: All about batteries - Apple Support

     

    With the built-in battery, and power-dependent software such as

    system clock and other items, knowing how much or how little

    battery life is left is important. It need not be 100% full capacity

    for best storage duration, but should never be let go to Zero.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by FoxFifth,Apple recommended

    FoxFifth FoxFifth May 31, 2015 2:31 PM in response to MommaKaren
    Level 7 (27,276 points)
    iPhone
    May 31, 2015 2:31 PM in response to MommaKaren

    The following link has the suggestion from Apple quoted below regarding the battery: https://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/

     

    If you want to store your device long term, two key factors will affect the overall health of your battery: the environmental temperature and the percentage of charge on the battery when it’s powered down for storage. Therefore, we recommend the following:

    • Do not fully charge or fully discharge your device’s battery — charge it to around 50%. If you store a device when its battery is fully discharged, the battery could fall into a deep discharge state, which renders it incapable of holding a charge. Conversely, if you store it fully charged for an extended period of time, the battery may lose some capacity, leading to shorter battery life.
    • Power down the device to avoid additional battery use.
    • Place your device in a cool, moisture-free environment that’s less than 90° F (32° C).
    • If you plan to store your device for longer than six months, charge it to 50% every six months.

    Depending on how long you store your device, it may be in a low-battery state when you remove it from long-term storage. After it’s removed from storage, it may require 20 minutes of charging with the original adapter before you can use it.

  • by MommaKaren,

    MommaKaren MommaKaren May 31, 2015 3:18 PM in response to FoxFifth
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 31, 2015 3:18 PM in response to FoxFifth

    Thank you, that's helpful.