"the new" iPad (3) discharging while plugged in and in use

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wchpitt Author

Level 1

10 points

"the new" iPad (3) discharging while plugged in and in use

I am starting a new thread about what I consider a charging issue with my new iPad3.

I have it set to autolock in 2m

Use a smart cover

typically have 6 or 7 running apps (mail, browser, chat, photos, calendar, paperless, quickoffice)

I am using the OEM factory iPad Charger (supplied with unit)

I am using the OEM factory cable

Auto-Brightness is on and brightness is set to ~80%

With the unit off it will reach full charge (reported) in just under 9 hours

but, when using it actively during the day and plugged in the whole time I am loosing charge at 4% per hour on average.

It has been in fairly continuous use for the past four weeks.

A lot of others have reported similar issues in thread https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3813401?start=0&tstart=0

but it has become somewhat convoluted with heat and the ins and outs of other chargers etc.

I would like to start a clean slate, reference the prior thread so the good there is not lost and start a new thread in hopes it stays on topic.

I have tried,

reloading IOS

other iPad OEM charger

other OEM cable

fully cycling the battery several times

Shutting unit off at night while recharging

Making sure only the applications I want to use are left open

I work IT/IS tech and would like to only have people post WHAT is happening, not what they believe the problem is.

If you have in fact taken what you believe is a corrective action that improved WHAT you were experiencing, please post it so others can try and see if it is replicable.

If so inclined also feel free to post your system info. As someone suggested on the other thread we may be able to id a production run. (lookup tool http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html/ )

Who knows!?

Hopefully this will either allow us to ID a consistent repeatable corrective action or gather enough supportive information that may be of benefit to apple.

Cheers all and thanks for reading.

Serial number: DN*******VGH

Name: iPad 3

Group1: iPad

Group2: WiFi-4G

Generation: 3

Machine Model: iPad3,2

Model introduced: 2012

Production year: 2012

Production week: 7 (February)

introduced test: GOED

Family name: A1430

Screen size: 9 inch

Screen resolution: 2048x1536 pixels

Colour: Black

Capacity: 32GB

Factory: DN (China, Chengdu - Foxconn)

"the NEW iPad"-OTHER, iOS 5.1, OEM Charger and Cable

Posted on Apr 15, 2012 10:21 PM

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Answer 1

Ingo2711

Level 9

70,293 points

Apr 15, 2012 10:39 PM in response to wchpitt

Are you using Wi-Fi or 4G while your iPad is switched on?

Did you try to use less than 80% brightness?

What are your setting for push/fetch mail or notifications?

What is your time for "active use"?

Are you using any kind of system monitor app, to tell you about your background processes?

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Answer 2

wchpitt Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 15, 2012 11:34 PM in response to Ingo2711

Are you using Wi-Fi or 4G while your iPad is switched on?

Both. It will all depend on which customer site I am at. Current project is in NW PA so not a lot of "AT&T 4G" out here anyway. I have "Enable LTE" set to Off

Did you try to use less than 80% brightness?

No, I have not. Primary office is very bright. 80% is down from 100%. I will try reducing another 10%.

What are your setting for push/fetch mail or notifications?

Using Activesync to connect to Exchange mail server. Push is set to ON, Fetch is set to Manually

What is your time for "active use"?

It really is 8-10 hours a day. I am either using the iPad as my primary tool or, if I pull out the MBA13 I am using the iPad as a second monitor with XDisplay.

Are you using any kind of system monitor app, to tell you about your background processes?

Negative. (open to suggestion)

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Answer 3

Ingo2711

Level 9

70,293 points

Apr 16, 2012 12:15 AM in response to wchpitt

My brightness is set to approx. 60%, I think the brightness setting of the display is one of those things that will reduce your power consumption.

Using your iPad as a second monitor could also be very power consuming, due to the higher CPU usage of the retina display.

I use "System Status" on my iPad and iPhone to see more details about my devices.

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Answer 4

Apr 16, 2012 12:26 AM in response to wchpitt

I have my brightness set at 60% or so and I'm able to use and charge at the same time although charging is a bit slower. However, I'm able to charge mine from 10% or so to 100% in about 6 hrs if not in use. I have wifi connected all the time and all my mail accounts set to push.

You might try recalabrating your battery meter (drain to 10% or so, close it up and fully recharge) to make sure your meter is working correctly. From other posts on MacRumors 6 hrs or so should be your recharge time if not using it. If it's taking another 3 hours then you may have a bad battery.

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Answer 5

Apr 16, 2012 1:28 AM in response to wchpitt

It might not be the iPad, but the cord.

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Answer 6

wchpitt Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 17, 2012 9:31 PM in response to wchpitt

Reduced brightness to 65%, closed all not in use apps and... was able to hold even or inconsistently gain about 1-2% per hour but not using the unit in a highly productive manner. Spent too much time being a power manager.

Took it back to apple store and they were able to replicate the issue.

Apple replaced unit and new one is not exhibiting any of the prior charecteristics. Today gained avg of 6-8% per hour while in use and 12-15% on standbye.

Same charger, same cable, same settings and apps running.

Im going to chalk mine up to a sample defect or a combination of the old unit being at the bottom of the "acceptable operating parameters" and my usage being "heavy".

Regardless, new unit is meeting my needs.

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Answer 7

Apr 17, 2012 9:47 PM in response to wchpitt

Glad you got it resolved. Have fun!

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Answer 8

Ingo2711

Level 9

70,293 points

Apr 17, 2012 11:08 PM in response to wchpitt

Good news 🙂

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Answer 9

Apr 18, 2012 5:48 AM in response to wchpitt

The quickest way (and really the only way) to charge your iPad is with the included 10W USB Power Adapter. iPad will also charge, although more slowly, when attached to a computer with a high-power USB port (many recent Mac computers) or with an iPhone Power Adapter (5W). When attached to a computer via a standard USB port (most PCs or older Mac computers) iPad will charge very slowly (but iPad indicates not charging). Make sure your computer is on while charging iPad via USB. If iPad is connected to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPad battery will continue to drain.

Apple recommends that once a month you let the iPad fully discharge & then recharge to 100%.

At this link http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/galaxy-tab-android-tablet,3014-11.html , tests show that the iPad 2 battery (25 watt-hours) will charge to 90% in 3 hours 1 minute. It will charge to 100% in 4 hours 2 minutes. The new iPad has a larger capacity battery (42 watt-hours), so using the 10W charger will obviously take longer. If you are using your iPad while charging, it will take even longer. It's best to turn your new iPad OFF and charge over night. Also look at The iPad's charging challenge explained http://www.macworld.com/article/1150356/ipadcharging.html

Also, if you have a 3rd generation iPad, look at

Apple: iPad Battery Nothing to Get Charged Up About

http://allthingsd.com/20120327/apple-ipad-battery-nothing-to-get-charged-up-abou t/

Apple Explains New iPad's Continued Charging Beyond 100% Battery Level

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/27/apple-explains-new-ipads-continued-charging- beyond-100-battery-level/

New iPad Takes Much Longer to Charge Than iPad 2

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/03/new-ipad-takes-much-longer-to-charge-than-ipa d-2.html

Prolong battery lifespan for iPad / iPad 2 / iPad 3: charging tips

http://thehowto.wikidot.com/prolong-battery-lifespan-for-ipad

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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