Can I leave my MacBook Pro off for 18 months?

The only thing you need to remember for extended storage is to set the battery at 50% charge as it says in the Apple link that Thomas A Reed posted above. Other than that just shut it down completely, stick it in a closet and don't worry about it.

And it probably doesn't need to be exactly 50%. Some other sources recommend 40% for long term storage. Since it's 18 months, you could probably leave it at 55% or 60%. The whole point is that you should not store the battery full for a long period, but you should also not leave such a little charge that the battery drains completely over 18 months since a battery left flat for an extended period may not recharge. Just aim for the middle somewhere and you're probably doing the best you can.

natalie.elaine27 wrote:

I'm leaving the country for 18 months, and I will not be taking my MacBook along with me. I don't want to leave it with a family member because there's a good chance it would be long gone before I get back. I'm just wondering if it's going to kill my battery or cause any other problems to store for 18 months?

Consider selling the machine before you leave and buying a new one when you return. 18 months is a very long time in the world of computer hardware.

Retired Engineer wrote:

Consider selling the machine before you leave and buying a new one when you return. 18 months is a very long time in the world of computer hardware.

Best advice in this case.

See Apple's recommendations here:

http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html

Note that 18 months is probably a bit long to expect the battery to survive unaffected. I don't have any experience with long-term storage of MacBook batteries (mostly because you couldn't pry mine out of my hands for more than a weekend, much less 18 months), but with other devices I've owned that had lithium ion batteries and that ended up sitting on shelves for similarly lengthy periods of time, the batteries have been severely impaired the next time I tried to use them. Do your best to follow Apple's directions, but be prepared to replace the battery when you return if that turns out to be necessary.

natalie.elaine27 wrote:

I'm just wondering if it's going to kill my battery or cause any other problems to store for 18 months?

If the Mac is switched off (no power) the battery will drain only a little bit per week. Even when drained to zero it will reload when charger comes in again.

Lithium-ion polymer batteries need to be used for maximum performance. If you don’t use your device often, be sure to complete a charge cycle at least once a month.

Lupunus

The other thing to remember, PRAM batteries tend to like to be juiced from time to time. At least plug it in once a month for at least an overnight. Otherwise the PRAM battery, an expensive replacement might be necessary when you return. If it is not practical to have it plugged in so frequently, set aside at least $150 for a repair shop when you return to get it replaced.

Storing a LiIon battery for 18 months may cause it to drop below minimum cell voltage (2.83v) if that happens it will not recharge. If you can arrange for someone to plug it in once a month for a couple of hours it will be fine.

I kind of agree, if that's the last option. Read my FAQ* so your selling doesn't become a nightmare:

http://www.macmaps.com/selling.html

Yeah, espically if you're waiting for club penguin to load! lol