How do I know if the Battery needs replacing (MacBook Pro OS X 10.5.5)?

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Level 1

3 points

How do I know if the Battery needs replacing (MacBook Pro OS X 10.5.5)?

Hey Folks.

I was reading this post here ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1767282&tstart=0 ) prior to creating this thread.

I am wondering where on my MacBook Pro can I obtain detailed information regarding my battery, so that I can show it to you guys to get your feedback.

For example, I charge my MacBook Pro and when I take out the power from the MBP. The battery will last me "about" 30 minutes, maybe 20 minutes at times. So it seems that I really need to change my battery...

Let me know plz.
Thanks.
-Joey

iMac G5 OS X - - MacBook Pro - - iPhone, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Nov 8, 2008 12:11 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

PBookie

Level 2

216 points

Nov 8, 2008 6:47 PM in response to JoeyDee

Hi Joey,
You can find the battery info in system profile.
Under the apple click on "about this mac"--when the window appears click on "more info" at the bottom of page.
In the window that appears go to "power" in the left column and click in it.
In this window scroll down to "health information". The cycle count will appear.

If yours has near to or more than 300 cycles it is time to replace the battery.
PB

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Answer 2

PBookie

Level 2

216 points

Nov 8, 2008 7:35 PM in response to JoeyDee

Joey,
Have you tried this update from Apple yet?

http://www.apple.com/support/macbook_macbookpro/batteryupdate/

If this still doesn't help, run your book on the battery until it either goes to sleep or dies. Leave it off disconnected for 5 hours or so then recharge it completely without disconnecting it. (You can use it while it's charging.)
This somehow reinitiates (resets) the battery. That isn't the correct term, but at the moment I am suffering part-timers and can't remember what Apple calls it.
Let us know how you come out.
PB

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Answer 3

JoeyDee Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 8, 2008 9:14 PM in response to PBookie

Hi PB.

I just checked the power details and I'm over 300.. i'm at 340cycles... but what does that mean and how is that calculated? What does cycles mean?

Here's a detailed info;

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: Sony-ASMB012-3559-ea8a
Manufacturer: Sony
Device name: ASMB012
Pack Lot Code: 0003
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 102a
Hardware Revision: 0400
Cell Revision: 0303
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 1631
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 1752
Health Information:
Cycle count: 340
Condition: Good
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): -1731
Voltage (mV): 11822

System Power Settings:

AC Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Automatic Restart On Power Loss: No
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Wake On LAN: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Battery Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 5
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Reduce Brightness: Yes

Hardware Configuration:

UPS Installed: No

AC Charger Information:

Connected: No
Charging: No

Thanks.
-Joey

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Answer 4

PBookie

Level 2

216 points

Nov 8, 2008 9:32 PM in response to JoeyDee

+i'm at 340cycles... but what does that mean and how is that calculated? What does cycles mean?+

What it means is that your battery has been charged an _equivalent of_ from zero to 100% 340 times. Every time your battery needs a charge the portion that is needed to fully charge it is added up until it reaches a total of 100% that is one cycle count.
Your book has done this 340 times in all.

It is definitely time for a replacement battery.
PB

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Answer 5

JoeyDee Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 8, 2008 11:06 PM in response to PBookie

Hi PB.

I thought it's good to drain your battery to 0% and charge it to 100% ?

It's for sure I can tell that the battery needs to be replaced since it doesn't even last me 20 minutes or so. Can you also tell me how I should take care of my "new" battery (which i will purchase this week, its ganna cost me about 220$)...? What recommendation would you suggest? I do not want to buy a new battery every 2-3 months 😟

Should I not have the battery drain to 0%
Should I not charge the battery to 100%

So many questions 🙂

-Joey

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Answer 6

Nov 9, 2008 8:02 AM in response to JoeyDee

Hi JoeyDee: Best recommendation for the battery is to use it plugged in when near a power outlet, use it on battery while you are away from a power outlet. Calibrate the battery as per Apple's instructions. For more information, check out postings on here by "Kappy". He has quite a few links, detailing proper battery usage.

Stedman

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Answer 7

JoeyDee Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 9, 2008 12:05 PM in response to stedman1

Thanks Stedman!

I'll check it out - I'll buy a new battery this weekend and will deff look into taking better care of my "new" battery 😮

-Joey

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Answer 8

PBookie

Level 2

216 points

Nov 9, 2008 5:14 PM in response to JoeyDee

Hi Joey,
I was away all day, but I am glad to see upon returning that you got some very good advice.

I thought I would mention that before plopping down $220 for a new battery as you mentioned in your earlier post, you might want to check out this site:

http://www.comptick.com/a1175.html?gclid=CISxzeO26ZYCFSJIagodHAxmOA

PB

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Answer 9

JoeyDee Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 10, 2008 4:19 AM in response to PBookie

Hey PB.

You are too kind man! Everything in Dubai is like double the price of everything you'd normally see outside of Dubai! 😟

I just emailed those folks at CompTick and asked them if they ship to Dubai and how much reg/express shipping is.

Thanks again dude.
-Joey

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