New MBP 13 Battery

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Level 4

1,209 points

New MBP 13 Battery

I had the late June 2009 version and decided to buy the new 2010 version of the 13in. What I have noticed so far is with display at 50%, and just general web surfing, no flash, the battery indicator is all over the board. Jumps from 11/10 hrs after a full charge to 3 hrs by just typing in a search in google. I don't think that takes a big burden on the CPU, but just seems weird that the indicator is very sensitive for such a small task.
Brian

MacBook Pro 2.66 Ghz 13in, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Apr 26, 2010 7:22 PM

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Answer 1

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Apr 26, 2010 7:53 PM in response to BB623

Hi Brian,

I made the same upgrade and I've noticed near identical issues with the battery indicator, although I don't click on regularly. Honestly, all of my Apple portables respond in a similar fashion where the estimated time remaining jumps significantly.

For example, at idle, I'm currently sitting at 77% (7:20 mins remaining). If I launch an application and then check it, that number dips to 2:44 and if I let the machine sleep and wake it the number jumps to 10:44 remaining.

As such I've never seen that time remaining as an accurate representation of time remaining. It's also why I keep the % remaining as the displayed value. I'd say the important thing is that under normal to light load that you're getting the 7-8 hours of realistic usage.

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Answer 2

BB623 Author

Level 4

1,209 points

Apr 27, 2010 5:37 AM in response to JasonFear

Thanks for the reply. I use the iPad a lot and i know the launching an application is less stressful on the processor, but does not fluctuate so drastic. On the MPB it's a sensitivity setting that may/hopefully be corrected in updates. It's just annoying, I may turn off the % and time option on the battery indicator.

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Answer 3

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Apr 27, 2010 11:03 AM in response to BB623

Brian,

The percentage indicator should not be as "jumpy" as the time remaining estimate. Under load/stress I've never seen the percentage dip and then climb when the machine returns to idle. The percentage indicator, thus far, is also consistent in its downward trend when not connected to wall power.

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Answer 4

BB623 Author

Level 4

1,209 points

Apr 28, 2010 7:58 AM in response to JasonFear

It jumps back up. I think it maybe to flash on maybe some website. Just launching word, programs the indicator is more consistent. Web takes a load on the battery indicator.
Brian

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Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Apr 28, 2010 8:10 AM in response to BB623

I highly recommend reading http://www.apple.com/batteries/

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