How much is too much? (Battery Cycles)

Hi SilverBlue: The cycle count does seem high. I have had my MacBook Pro for about 2 and a half years with about 150 cycles. I guess best advice to keep the cycle count low would be to use the computer on AC power whenever possible. 300 seems to be about the life span of these batteries, but check your info to see what the maximum capacity is for your battery.

Good Luck
Stedman

SilverBlue wrote:
I've had my macbook base model for 1 year and 4 months. According to iStat my batteries gone through 328 cycles! That sounds like a lot for such a short period of time. So how much is too much as far as cycles go?

You should probably know that I rarely shut down my computer. I always let it sleep. Is that a bad thing? What else can I do to preserve battery life and keep my cycle count low?

Remember, a cycle means a complete drain to about 20% or lower and charge back up to 100%. That means you've charged it quite a bit. My old Mac (before the defective replacement) logged about 120 cycles in a year. I plug it in if the battery is over 98% charged if available and only charge when I reach 15%.

For having 328 cycles, you must have been running your battery once it reaches 100% and rarely running off AC power otherwise. This could be a bad thing since it looks like you're causing more wear and tear to your battery.

You should check the system profile for your mAH when your battery is full and compare it to the Apple specifications to see if u're losing capacity.

deltatux

These batteries are normally good for around 500 cycles, but since they were put on the battery very quick, it might last longer. Personally, I leave mine on ac adapter whenever possible. My last macbook pro had only around 30 cycles after a year.

Glor

I found a widget on here called iStat which I think is what the OP was referring to. Mine is 18 but i have been having issues with my battery, and its only a week old! Think apple will send me a new battery because of this?

The update is dated April 2007 so should not be needed on new Al MacBooks.

I've had mine since about Oct 28 or so and am at 3 cycles according to iStat.

Likely about right: I keep it plugged in unless away from home. But it does travel with me (e.g., just returned from a 7 day cruise). Lowest charge was about 75% on one occasion.

Phil

I wouldnt worry about the cycles. A new battery can be easily put in.
Personally I always use it via the battery. I just cant see the point of having a laptop and a trailing lead. I purchased the MacBook for its portability.

I just charge it up when its low. When it packs up ill just buy another 🙂

Hi.
I've had my macbook for only a week, and drained it only thrice. But according to iStat and Coconut Battery (yes, i got both just to make sure), my battery has gone through 6 cycles already! The lowest percentage I ever let my macbook run on is 65%. And as I understand it, a cycle is only counted if you charge a battery with 20% or else left on it. And coconut battery has also displayed that my macbook is 3 weeks old! This is really alarming since it's my first mac and I want to get the most out of it. Can anyone help me sort this out? Thanks a lot!

I've included my batt stat in the hopes that it can help:
Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: SMP-bq20z951-3971-20ec
Manufacturer: SMP
Device name: bq20z951
Pack Lot Code: 0000
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 002a
Hardware Revision: 000a
Cell Revision: 0100
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 3674
Fully charged: No
Charging: Yes
Full charge capacity (mAh): 4269
Health Information:
Cycle count: 6
Condition: Good
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 399
Voltage (mV): 12284




PS: I know that this is not the right venue for it, but someone might be able to address the problem of a very short battery life my laptop has. It only runs for about 2.5 hours, and I lose about 1-2% of batt life even when it is asleep.

Don't worry about how many cycles you have. It is really the full charge capacity that matters. You don't ever need to slow down the use of your battery for the cycle count. Keep in mind that apple puts a few cycles on the battery in testing so it is something that you needn't worry about.

- Harris

I read on the apple site there is an issue with some macbook batteries. There is a software download to correct it.

http://support.apple.com/downloads/BatteryUpdate_12

I've had my MB for 2 months and I'm almost at 50. I guess I should slow it down a bit.

I've had mine less than 2 months and I already have 81 cycles. I don't understand.

How do you tell how many cycles my MacBook has had

I have had mine since October 27th and have 89 cycles!!!

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