Just upgraded from my 2009 Macbook Pro to a new 2011 15" version. One of the selling features was the "new" 7 hour battery.
Just operating with mail and a browser window open I am very lucky if I get 2 hours!! I dont see anywhere near the battery life that the specs say.
Anyone see the same or what am I missing?
Mac OS X (10.4.10)
http://www.apple.com/batteries/ helps you optimize the amount of time.
Note the meter on the menubar is a very poor approximation of actual life. Take a real timer to verify that you are indeed getting the times you think you are getting.
most likely, you're using an application that ***** the power out.
i would check the activity app (in utilities folder)
and i would check with gfxcardstatus to check which video card is in use. If it is the AMD(ATI), then yeah it may suck more.
I have the top of line macbook pro 15" 2011 and do get over 7, sometimes, even displays 8hours or so if i am just browsing the internet.
It's been reported that software like Chrome, or Hyperdock would switch to the AMD/ATI card on their own.
You can overwrite that with gfxcardstatus.
I tried the gfxcardstatus... never knew such a thing existed but it did show that my system was running using the AMD card. Seems to have been Chrome that caused the switch
Chrome defaults to the AMD card which in turn, ***** the life out of your battery. When I'm surfing and on battery power, I always use Safari. Safari, by default, uses the integrated GPU in your Macbook, thus drastically extending your battery life. Try it. See for yourself.
Macbook Pro 2011 Battery Life is Bad
