Power MacBook w/o battery attached?

Can you run the Macbook w/o the battery attached and just the magnetic AC plugged in? What happens if you knock out the magnetic plug?...does it just power off?
Thanks.....
too many to list Mac OS X (10.4.8) love all my MACS

Yes it can run on the adapter only. If it becomes disconnected it shuts down.
Mort

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Operating macbook without battery attached

I preferred getting imac than macbook simply because I do not need to worry about battery losing its life span. I currently own a G4 powerbook and I have 2 batteries: one new, the other useless. Say if I want to get a macbook, can I operate it directly from power outlet without it's battery attached? In that case, I will not be worried about overcharging the battery with the power outlet attached.
Thanks.

To add to what Kappy said, it will not harm your laptop to leave the AC Adapter plugged in at all times, and it will be a good backup (in case of power failure etc) to have your battery in place as well. This is what I do with both my MacBook and Dell XPS m140.
I will periodically un-attach the AC Adapter and use the laptop with the battery alone, or even just let it stay in sleep mode while I am not using it and let the battery slowly drain away. Then when it gets down to a low percent of power (10-20 % maybe), then I will plug the AC back in and let it charge up again.
I do this once a week or so, just to keep the battery's power moving out and new power in, and I might re-calibrate (spelling?) the battery once every couple months to help keep the battery "knowing what it's full capacity is" and therefore keeping the battery life up to a more full capacity and for a longer lifespan...
That's one of the benefits of using a laptop as a desktop replacement actually. You can move it around with it's small form factor and lighter weight, you can use it anywhere with the battery and having bluetooth and WiFi to use for Internet/accessories/PDA and Cellphone connections, and the battery can act like a built-in backup power supply unit (PSU) which is not just good for storms and other power outtages, but even if you just want to move the location of where you have your laptop (from one room to another) while it is turned on and doing stuff... You can go ahead and unplug that AC Adapter, move it and then plug it back in if you wish to do so, and during that time, your computer kept on doing it's thing (can your desktop do that?) with maybe the only effect being that (depending on your system settings), your screen's display might have dimmed for a couple minutes - if you have it set to dim to a lower brightness amount for battery power compared to AC Adapter power.
Also, I have heard (like many others have) that if you never actually use your battery, that it will die quickly from not enough use, but if you are constantly recharging your battery, you can expect it to slowly lose what used to be it's full capacity (in the long run, should last 2-3 years anyways I would guess) but one would assume that only recharging your battery once a week or so and using AC power with it for the most part would extend the life of you battery (and if you don't like to use it alot, then it makes sense to not want to have to purchase a replacement battery after 2 years or so, just so you can have one available if/when needed).
I can't say more specifically what the effect is to do this middle ground option, but as long as your battery gets a recharging a few times a month that will be enough to keep it holding power. My GameBoy Advance SP came with a little booklet saying that the internal rechargable battery it has inside (which cannot be replaced by the user) has so many charge cycles in it. Basically, that after so many cycles, the battery capacity will not be as much as it was brand new, and slowly over time the battery will not charge and store as much power inside it, and eventually after the estimated number of cycles (which was only the "guarantee" #) that it, the battery, could totally die and have lived it's full lifespan (compared to it being a bad defective battery). Cell phone batteries often act like this too, so one would assume that laptop batteries could as well.
If a battery had say 400 or so recharge cycles in it (like the GBA SP), and you were using it everyday and needing to recharge it everyday or 2 in the beginning, after half a year you might need to charge it twice as often in the same amount of time, and let's say you use it a bit less often then for the next 6 months, that battery with 400 cycles could last possibly for only *1 Year or so* (if using it so much that you were constantly charging it). If you used it less often, say a couple times per month, and only needed to charge it once per month, then it could last you for up to 5-10 years easily. I'm sure there would be other factors to affect it all, but as a basic comparison, it shows that it could last MUCH longer with just simple basic use every now and then. To be honest, the # I came up with was actually more like 30 years, but I cut it down alot to try and allow for the craziness that a battery for a GBA SP could last 30 years with only a regular "once a month" use...

Macbook pro 15" mid 2010 i spilled water on keyboard now it wont power on if the battery is connected and the keys on keyboard doesnt work it works fine with no battery and external keyboard if i order a battery and new keyboard will every else work again

macbook pro 15" mid 2010 i spilled water on keyboard now it wont power on if the battery is connected and the keys on keyboard doesnt work it works fine with no battery and external keyboard if i order a battery and new keyboard will every else work again lik it did before

If you have records that show that you've taken your MacBook Pro in for a year to fix the machine, I would escalate the problem to Apple Customer Relations - unfortunately I don't have a number for Spain.
It would only seem logical to me that if you've been trying to have the machine repaired during the time that the 'recall' was in effect that you should be eligible for a new logic board. But only customer relations will be able to make that call.
Good luck - take the issue as high up the food chain as you can and see what happens.
Clinton

I have a 1st Gen, MacBook Pro from 2006. For the last few years I've had to us my power adaptor as my battery no longer works. Now my power adaptor looks like it's coming to an end. Even though it's securely fitted, it often switches off.

I have a 1st Gen, MacBook Pro from 2006. For the last few years I've had to us my power adaptor as my battery no longer works, and shuts down after 30 seconds it. Now my power adaptor looks like it's coming to an end. Even though it's securely fitted, it often switches off.
I am planning on buying a new MacBook Pro later this year, but for the meantime I'm not sure if I should buy a new power adaptor, or if this is a problem with my MacBook Pro. Also does anyone know where I can buy a battery in the UK for 1st Gen MacBook Pro.

OWC has batteries for 1,1 generation MacBook Pros and they ship internationally - http://eshop.macsales.com/.
Your best bet for a power adapter is to get one from Apple. Third-party adapters just don't seem to be reliable (or safe). You can also buy a replacement battery directly from Apple, of course, but they're a bit more expensive.
Good luck,
Clinton

Could macbook starts without battery by using adapter as power source!!??

Hi all
I have macbook black early 2008 model. My battery is damaged as it falls in water.
I have experienced that If the adapter is plugged with macbook and macbook is on and then i remove the battery ...its remain on...
My question is this that could macbook starts without battery using the power adapter as power source.
Thanks
Regards
Abdul Azeez

Yes it will start and run. The downside is your MacBook will run slower and if you accidentally pull out the plug it will shut off immediately and you'll lose any work that hasn't been saved. I suggest replacing the battery when you can.

2007 Macbook Pro - Won't turn off or on. Power on button only results in quickly flashing power-on button on front of computer by display open latch. Turn off by disconnecting power cord and removing battery. Help!

2007 Macbook Pro OS X Maverick with maxed out processor and hard drive. It's been running beautifully for years! - When shutting down the computer failed to turn off. Now it won't turn off or on. Powering on only results in quickly flashing power-on button on front of computer by display open latch. To turn off by disconnecting power cord and removing battery. Help!

Hi P S 13,
If your MacBook Pro will not power on as you describe, I would suggest you troubleshoot using the steps in this article -
Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Brett L

Is there a way to create an AUDIO alert when my MacBook Air (Mavericks) battery runs low (say 10%)?

Is there a way to create an AUDIO alert when my MacBook Air (Mavericks) battery runs low (say 10%)? I often miss the visual power percentage in the top bar, so would like an audio alert as well.

For global alerts, yes:
There is no need to do anything before the alert appears, and the MBA will not lose data should it go to sleep. If it goes to sleep at 0% you still have several hours to plug it in before it shuts down.
I wouldn't even bother displaying the percentage value.

My Macbook Air 2013 battery life is sub 4 hours. How do I diagnose and resolve the issue?

Hi,
I have a 6 month old Macbook AIr 2013 and I am getting sub 4 hours of battery life against the 12 hrs advertised. I looked into the application monitor and found that Spotlight has been causing my battery to drain
Here is a brief snapshot of System information
Hardware Overview:
Model Name:          MacBook Air
Model Identifier:          MacBookAir6,2
Processor Name:          Intel Core i5
Processor Speed:          1.3 GHz
Number of Processors:          1
Total Number of Cores:          2
L2 Cache (per Core):          256 KB
L3 Cache:          3 MB
Memory:          4 GB
Boot ROM Version:          MBA61.0099.B07
SMC Version (system):          2.13f7
Battery Information:
Model Information:
Serial Number:          D86349701E7F90KAV
Manufacturer:          SMP
Device Name:          bq20z451
Pack Lot Code:          0
PCB Lot Code:          0
Firmware Version:          511
Hardware Revision:          000a
Cell Revision:          1200
Charge Information:
Charge Remaining (mAh):          6362
Fully Charged:          No
Charging:          No
Full Charge Capacity (mAh):          7023
Health Information:
Cycle Count:          16
Condition:          Normal
Battery Installed:          Yes
Amperage (mA):          -1727
Voltage (mV):          8266
System Power Settings:
AC Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes):          1
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
Wake on AC Change:          No
Wake on Clamshell Open:          Yes
Wake on LAN:          Yes
AutoPowerOff Delay:          14400
AutoPowerOff Enabled:          1
DarkWakeBackgroundTasks:          1
Display Sleep Uses Dim:          Yes
PrioritizeNetworkReachabilityOverSleep:          0
Standby Delay:          10800
Standby Enabled:          1
Battery Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes):          1
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes):          10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes):          2
Wake on AC Change:          No
Wake on Clamshell Open:          Yes
AutoPowerOff Delay:          14400
AutoPowerOff Enabled:          1
Current Power Source:          Yes
DarkWakeBackgroundTasks:          0
Display Sleep Uses Dim:          Yes
Reduce Brightness:          Yes
Standby Delay:          10800
Standby Enabled:          1
Hardware Configuration:
UPS Installed:          No
AC Charger Information:
Connected:          No
Charging:          No
Can somebody please advise me on what exactly is wrong and what I need to do to resolve the issue. Much appreciate the help.
Thanks
Nitin

1. Follow these instructions, or these for OS X 10.9 or later.
2. In the Energy Saver preference pane, uncheck the box marked
Enable Power Nap while on battery power
3. You can also try resetting the SMC.
4. Make sure your system is up to date in Software Update.
5. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service center.

MacBook Pro - After Battery dies I'm not able to type in login window, until forcing a restart

Hi, as mentioned in the header : MacBook Pro - After Battery dies I'm not able to type in login window, until forcing a restart
After the battery drains to 0% the computer switches off.... *Makes sense*
Once I put the charger power chord back in for an extended period of time I hit the power button and then see the login screen.... *Makes sense*
However it won't let me type into the login box therefore having to force a restart and lose any saved data or data open when it died of battery. *WEIRD*
This happens every time my computer runs out of battery. I understand that obviously not letting the laptop die is a good idea, however it seems like there is something wrong as it allows me to login yet won't let me type anything...
Any solutions? Anyone else experience this?
I have an early 2012 MacBook Pro - 15 Inch Screen.

Hi s4mboy,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
I'd start with resetting the SMC and PRAM on the MacBook Pro:
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964
OS X Mountain Lion: Reset your computer’s PRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/ph11243
Cheers,
Jeremy

Unable to charge my MacBook but the battery and charger are fine...

Hello all...
I brought this MacBook in late 2008 as i love Apple products and had had my last one for 5 years with no problems, so i upgraded.
Before the year warranty was up the battery completely died, which worried me as my previous apples battery lasted 3 years before gradually loosing power. This one worked fine one day, the next it was dead.
Both me and my partner have a MacBook so when this one failed to charge, i had the luxery of being able to test the charger and the battery, both are fine.
His Macbook is about 5 years old now and he has never had one issue or needed to replace the battery.
Does it sound like i brought a dud?
Has anyone heard of this problem before, or know of a solution?
Yours in anticipation
A very frustrated Mac user

Basically the magsafe board is a tiny board that plugs into the logic board. The battery cord, which are the brass pins you see when you remove the battery, are the end of another cord which connects to the logic board. If it isn't the magsafe board, which btw is a fairly reliable piece of hardware, then it is the logic board because this board is what actually houses the SMC. The SMC, or System Management Controller, is what controls hardware power and cooling by taking the information from the temp sensors, the battery, magsafe and other locations and deciding what to do with that information and what it means. If the SMC is not functioning properly, then the machine will still use power when it is given to it, but routing the power correctly, ensuring the battery is charged and everything else can be faulty. The SMC is a non-removable part of the logic board, so when it fails, the only way to recover its functions are to replace the entire board.
Sadly the Genius didn't lead you astray when he told you that. A cheaper option might be a third-party battery charger from macsales.com. I don't work for them or get anything for the reference, but they do have external battery charges and conditioners for the MacBook batteries.

Macbook shutdown when battery in place.

My macbook pro work great when connected to the power supply and no battery inserted. When battery is inserted and power supply connected it shuts down within minutes of restart. Help.

It might be helpful if you indicated the EXACT model/year MBP that you have.
Perform a SMC reset:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
Open System Profiler>Power and post this from your MBP:
(make certain that the charger is connected)
Try to run an Apple hardware Test:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201257
You can use the original installation disk that has the instructions on it. Note that an error free AHT is not drfinitive.
I suspect that there may be something wrong with your battery.
Ciao.

Underclocking CPU and using only AC with battery attached

Is it possible to underclock the CPU and use only AC but with the battery attached to the MBP? If the magsafe connector is unplugged the MBP can switch instantly to use the battery.
There are many times when an underclocked MBP is enough, like when browsing the web, writting and listening to music. But using only AC with no battery is risking losing information.
And, if it's possible it can even be an option in the menubar (along with turning off-on WiFi and bluetooth). This way, if more power is needed (ie: running Corel's Painter X), it's a matter of just click underclocking-off.

A question remains: Why do you want to do this?
Do you want to maximise the life of your battery?
Do you want to develop sophisticated software that cares about power usage?
Do you care about the planet and want to minimise your ecological footprint?
As far as "an AC adapter that takes the place of the battery and can power the MBP with enough energy" - it is supplied with your computer and is the common or garden variety 85W powerbrick. Furthermore, when the AC is connected "the battery will never be used when not necessary" (only if the power demands are sufficiently high that the power adapter can't supply all the power required) - just as you desire.
Just to make it clear - when the AC is connected the computer draws its power from the AC first, regardless of whether the battery is in place or not.
I think you will achieve what you want by using the MBP normally, as designed, and not doing anything special. I think it is designed to do exactly what you seem to want.

Is it the power cord or the battery?

My roughly 6 year old MacBook won't take a charge now. I've replaced both the battery and the power cord in the past two years or so, I believe, and all of a sudden it's dead. There is no charge indication on the cord so that makes me think the cord may be the culprit. On the other hand, just before my MacBook died the battery indicator said 85% but it did show that I was running off of the battery and not charging. Any thoughts?

Hi,
Download and run the stand-alone battery test utility available on the page below and see if this reports any problems with your battery.
http://h20239.www2.hp.com/techcenter/battery/battery_ts.htm
Regards,
DP-K
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Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

My MacBook Air's battery health is decreasing.

My Macbook Air's battery health is decreasing. I bought it around a year ago. Now it's battery health is 85%. However, it keeps changing. From 85% to 88% and sometimes it hit 90%. Is my macbook's battery healthy? And is it normal, because I bought it a year ago.
Here are my battery's properties:
Cycles ; 404
Health : 85%
Design Capacity: 6700 mAh
Current Capacity: 5703 mAh

i have to disagree with linc davis's reply.
system profiler, or what they call the system report will have your current battery health status. in power the system profiler will either display "excellent", "normal" or "check battery" the more charge cycles you have, (404 which you stated) the more the battery will loose some capacity. this is normal of lithium ion batteries
health 85 % is current capactiy (fully charged) divided by design capacity * 100 or
5703 / 6700 *100 = 85%
my mac book air, having it for a year states
cycle count 163
Condition : Normal
Charge remaining 4223
full charge capacity 4263
but system profiler, at least on my mac book air running osx 10.8.2 does not list design capacity. so i am wondering where you got that number. the mac book air i have is the mid 2011 11" model
if you feel after 400 cycles your battery diminished and you have apple care you can always ask them to replace the battery, but if you did not get apple care, then the year warranty would be up. a new mac book air battery outside of apple care or any warranties is $129 before tax at the apple store.
eventually the more cycles you have ( a cycle is being fully charged from being nearly discharged ) the more you are going to have to replace the battery. whenever you feel you are not getting the charge you used to get the discision to repalce that battery is your choice, but eventually you will have to replace it.
for example say the battery used to give you 3 hours amd now it only gives you 30 minutes, then yeah replace the battery. but if the time lost in capacity doesn't bother you that much, then don't replace the battery now

Why doesn't the Macbook Pro's battery life last?

Why doesn't the Macbook Pro's battery life last anywhere near 5 hours, as advertised? This is my second one and it lasts 2. It's false advertising, and Apple doesn't seem to making a big deal or know anything about it, which i'm sure they do. Since their general practice is to deny problems exist in all their products, i'm here to make it known that the most recent Macbook Pro has a severe battery issue and it needs to be addressed.
I'm running OS X 10.8.3, Bluetooth is off, and haven't installed any third party software.

My MacBook Pro is over a year old and still gets 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on how intensively my application activity is hitting the CPU and disk. Remember that battery life depends on usage and component loads. You could get 1 hour editing HD video since it would hit all cores and slam the disk constantly, or 8 hours in a cabin in the woods with wifi and Bluetooth turned off, only writing text files, and with the backlight turned down and no disc in the drive. You should check Activity Monitor to make sure you don't have some processes using unusually high amounts of CPU for long periods of time (like browser tabs running Flash ads in the background, chewing up CPU and battery power without even being seen).
Like mende1 says, there are not huge numbers of Mac users getting only 2 hours, or the world would have heard about it by now and MacBook sales would be down. If you are only getting 2 hours there is something going on local to your machine or usage habits.
Terry Mele wrote:
Since their general practice is to deny problems exist in all their products
That's not strictly true. Apple has often announced updates or repair/exchange programs to address various problems that had come up over time. Maybe not always, but it does happen. They also have often helped me and my friends when we brought in Macs that were out of warranty and had problems. They had no legal obligation to work on our Macs for free, but they did anyway.

Power MacBook w/o battery attached?

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