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New Macbook Air, should I charge it or let it die first?

I just got my very first macbook air,

am I supposed to let it charge first (I read something about pluging it in for 7 hours)

or should I let the battery die first?

MacBook Air

Posted on Dec 27, 2013 8:08 PM

Reply
2 replies

Dec 27, 2013 8:15 PM in response to kymars

You NEVER want to intentionally let it shut down from power, so no.




Keep it plugged in when near a socket and ideally during heavy use, but not plugged in all the time. When not being used for several hours, turn it off.


And best "tip" is if its near a socket,...plug it in as long as you can (especially at home) since cycle count on the battery are the "miles that wear out the tires (battery)", however again, not plugged in all or most of the time.


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

"Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time."


General rule to remember of Lithium batteries is:

Never drain them LOW & dont always/often store them HIGH


*Contrary to some myths out there, there is protection circuitry in your Macbook and therefore you cannot overcharge it when plugged in and already fully charged


*However if you don’t plan on using it for a few hours, turn it OFF (plugged in or otherwise) ..*You don’t want your Macbook both always plugged in AND in sleep mode (When portable devices are charging and in the on or sleep position, the current that is drawn through the device is called the parasitic load and will alter the dynamics of charge cycle. Battery manufacturers advise against parasitic loading because it induces mini-cycles.)


LiPo (lithium polymer, same as in your Macbook) batteries do not need conditioning. However...


A lot of battery experts call the use of Lithium cells the "80% Rule" ...meaning use 80% of the charge or so, then recharge them for longer overall life.


The only quantified abuse seen to Lithium cells are instances when often the cells are repeatedly drained very low…. key word being "often"


Contrary to what some might say, Lithium batteries have an "ideal" break in period. First ten cycles or so, don't discharge down past 40% of the battery's capacity. Same way you don’t take a new car out and speed and rev the engine hard first 100 or so miles.


Proper treatment is still important. Just because LiPo batteries don’t need conditioning in general, does NOT mean they dont have an ideal use / recharge environment. Anything can be abused even if it doesn’t need conditioning.


From Apple on batteries:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1446

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


Storing your MacBook

If you are going to store your MacBook away for an extended period of time, keep it in a cool location (room temperature roughly 22° C or about 72° F). Make certain you have at least a 50% charge on the internal battery of your Macbook if you plan on storing it away for a few months; recharge your battery to 50% or so every six months roughly if being stored away. If you live in a humid environment, keep your Macbook stored in its zippered case to prevent infiltration of humidity on the internals of your Macbook which could lead to corrosion.

New Macbook Air, should I charge it or let it die first?

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