clueless_mac_lover wrote:
Cool, thanks! It shouldn't have any bad effect on the battery long term, should it? I didn't think so, but did create my community name descriptively ;)
I wouldn't start reading various forums where battery charging performance is discussed. That could drive one crazy with endless debates on C-rates (charging rate relative to capacity). There's some belief that the ideal charging rate should be sufficiently high for both making sure that it as fully charged as possible and to maximize battery longevity.
Also - charging is never at a single rate. It's usually two-stage if a sufficiently powerful supply is used. Maybe up to 70-80% it will charge at a higher rate and then beyond that it will ramp down. As it approaches 100% it can go way down. All of this is done to maximize battery life and to prevent overheating (or even fires). Using a lower power source is going to result in charging at less than the maximum rate obviously.
I personally believe that one should just use the battery however is seen fit. Need to use it until it gets to 0%? Don't worry about it but try to charge it soon. Want to keep it charged at 100%? Fine, but at least occasionally use it on battery power alone. Forgot to bring the power adapter that came in the box? Go ahead and use what's convenient whether it's 61W or even a 12W. It's not ideal but it won't damage the battery.
