Maximize Your Apple Laptop's Battery

Here are some tips to help you get the most from your Apple laptop’s battery.

– Fully charge your portable when you plug it in for the first time.

– Run Software Update to ensure you have the latest Apple software. Updates may improve battery performance.

– Don’t leave your laptop plugged in all the time. Apple recommends charging and discharging its battery at least once per month. Need a reminder? Add a repeating event to iCal.

– Calibrate your laptop’s battery for best performance. You can read how to do this here:


http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86284

– Keeping your Mac as near room temperature as possible (22°C) is ideal.

– If you don’t plan on using your laptop for more than six months, Apple recommends that you remove and store the battery with a 50% charge. Be sure to store the ejected battery at room temperature.

– You can choose to use your Apple notebook in a way that maximizes its battery life:

– Go into System Preferences and choose Energy Saver.

– Dim the screen to the lowest comfortable level.

– AirPort consumes power, even if you are not connected to a network. Turn it off to save power.

– Likewise, you can turn off Bluetooth to maximize your battery life.

– Disconnect peripherals and quit applications not in use. Eject CDs and DVDs if not currently using them.