Battery cycle counts??

Question

Level 1

0 points

Battery cycle counts??

I dont understand what is meant by cycle counts? Does having more cycle counts mean that the battery is in good shape or is it the other way around? Also, is it better to keep my macbook plugged in even if fully charged all the time, or do I have to let it run out of battery and then recharge it again everytime I use it? I am very concerned and I feel that my battery life is not long enough. I guess it's around 3 hrs.

Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 1960
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 3981
Health Information:
Cycle count: 297
Condition: Normal
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): -1292
Voltage (mV): 11329

MacBook 13-inch Aluminum (Mid 2009), Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jan 23, 2010 5:33 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jan 23, 2010 6:00 AM in response to ra5751

I dont understand what is meant by cycle counts?

It's how many times the battery has been charged then discharged.

Does having more cycle counts mean that the battery is in good shape

No

I am very concerned and I feel that my battery life is not long enough.

With 300 cycles it's probably on it's way out.

Reply

Answer 2

ra5751 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 23, 2010 8:01 AM in response to ra5751

😟
thank you for your reply.

Reply

Answer 3

Veza

Level 1

0 points

Jan 25, 2010 1:33 AM in response to ra5751

I want to know how many battery cycles can this MacBook take? I know the newer MacBooks have 1000 cycles, although is it the same for the late 2008 13" Aluminium MacBooks?

Message was edited by: Veza

Message was edited by: Veza

Reply

Answer 4

Jan 25, 2010 3:28 AM in response to Veza

300 cycles is a good life for the aluminum MacBook batteries.

Reply

Answer 5

Veza

Level 1

0 points

Jan 25, 2010 7:00 PM in response to Jay Bullock

Thanks. If my Battery begins to diminish on 300 cycles, will I be able to purchase the new battery with the 1000 cycle?

Reply

Answer 6

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Jan 25, 2010 7:26 PM in response to Veza

No. The battery your MacBook uses is only rated for about 300 cycles. The built-in batteries for the unibody machines are rated for the 1000 cycles.

~Lyssa

Reply

Answer 7

Veza

Level 1

0 points

Jan 25, 2010 8:15 PM in response to Lyssa

I thought my MacBook 13-inch Aluminium (Late 2008 model) would be eligible for the 1000 cycles.

Reply

Answer 8

Jan 26, 2010 3:10 AM in response to Veza

No. The 1000-cycle battery is a different size and shape from the one the comes in our model.

Reply

Answer 9

Feb 26, 2010 7:30 AM in response to ra5751

I used to take out the battery of my old macbook while i used it at home..i used it plugged so the battery would have a longer life - i was told.

Since the new macbook has a built in battery - is it better to use it plugged where you can ..would it mean you charge your computer unnecessarily...
??

thanks

Reply

Answer 10

Feb 26, 2010 9:47 AM in response to leylatabrizi

The power management software is smart enough now that leaving your MacBook plugged in most of the time does not adversely affect your battery quality.

However, you should make sure to calibrate your battery regularly:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1490

More reading:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1446

Reply