new battery - how long for first charge? mid 2007 MacBook

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new battery - how long for first charge? mid 2007 MacBook

just got a Model A1185 replacement battery for my mid-2007 MacBook. Instructions inside package: read original information with computer. Can't find anything in computer's manual about how long to charge a new battery before using it.

Anyone know about this? Should I charge 24 hours? 2 hours? 3 weeks, 2 days, and a coupla hours?

Then, do I allow it to go flat dead before re-charging it again?

Seems like I remember being told with my first lovely Bondi blue, clamshell laptop (± 100 years ago) that I had to full charge, then discharge a new battery to insure long life (the battery's, not mine, I think). But I can't find anything in THAT computer's manual either (that laptop, by the way still runs - mostly games, but it runs!).

So, now I don't know if I should just slap the new battery in the computer, plug 'er up and take off using it while it charges ... or go through some technical, magical ritual to make sure the new battery survives the month.

Anybody? Anything about new replacement batteries and first charge? Anything?

P.S. not for nothing, but would it kill Apple to put a couple of lines about first charge for a replacement battery instead of the current 21-word note the they ain't telling you nothing?

Posted on Aug 10, 2011 10:42 AM

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Answer 1

kostby

Level 4

2,946 points

Aug 10, 2011 2:08 PM in response to Bobby Collins

Simple answer: Install the new battery, plug in the charger, and charge the laptop until the on-screen indicator shows 100% charged.

The battery likely still has some charge from the factory. It will take slightly longer if you're using it heavily, but it should achieve a full charge in a matter of two or three hours. If you absolutely don't want to use it before you give it a full charge (but there's no reason not to), plug it in and let it charge overnight with the MacBook off.

For best battery life, complete at least one full charge/discharge cycle a month. Apple has an iCal reminder you can add here Add an event

Apple MacBook 'home page' with links to manuals: http://support.apple.com/manuals/#macbook

Apple tips for (mostly current generation) notebook batteries: http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html

Apple tips for maximum battery life: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1446

It helps to calibrate after installing a new battery and completing a few charge/discharge cycles, so you get accurate battery-life estimates displayed on-screen. Details here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1490

Many people also recommend resetting the SMC, instructions here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Many also recommend resetting the PRAM after a battery change, instructions here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

Message was edited by: kostby

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