First (big) issues w/ MacBook Pro C2D (Battery life, fans)

[vladinecko]

I waited to get an Intel Pro laptop because I wanted to get first generation issues off of my hands and get Core 2 Duo processors. Well, I finally got one (MB Pro 2.16Ghz C2D - stock) and after 2 days of ownership, I'm sad to report I have a couple of major problems with it already.

1. Battery life. I know the battery should first be calibrated - discharged/charged, etc. However, after I did that, the battery only lasts for about 1.5 hours with nothing but light browsing and brightness set at 50%. When Apple claims a product has 5 hour battery life, I would accept 3.5 as a tolerable compromise between their tests (which is screen off, no apps running, no sound, no interaction) and average use. 1.5 hours, however, seems a little too drastic.

2. Fans. The first day, when the laptop was plugged-in and while discharging, I experienced no problems. When I plugged it back in though, and just let it sit and charge, the fans were sporadically spinning at such high RPMs, it almost seemed like the laptop was going to take off and fly away. The heat couldn't be the issue here because compared to, even my PowerBook, the new MB Pro runs very cool. In fact, every time the fans started spinning hard like that, the laptop got actually cold.

Now, this may seem as normal behavior to some, but not to me. This is my #9 Pro notebook from Apple and I've never experienced such things before.

Anyone else has similar problems with theirs?

 

[ChickenSwartz]

I have had no problems.

With light browsing, AirPort on, screen brightness above 50%, I get over 3 hours battery life.

I rarely ever hear the fans.

I would suggest taking it in to an Apple Store.

 

[barkins]

I waited to get an Intel Pro laptop because I wanted to get first generation issues off of my hands and get Core 2 Duo processors. Well, I finally got one (MB Pro 2.16Ghz C2D - stock) and after 2 days of ownership, I'm sad to report I have a couple of major problems with it already.

1. Battery life. I know the battery should first be calibrated - discharged/charged, etc. However, after I did that, the battery only lasts for about 1.5 hours with nothing but light browsing and brightness set at 50%. When Apple claims a product has 5 hour battery life, I would accept 3.5 as a tolerable compromise between their tests (which is screen off, no apps running, no sound, no interaction) and average use. 1.5 hours, however, seems a little too drastic.

2. Fans. The first day, when the laptop was plugged-in and while discharging, I experienced no problems. When I plugged it back in though, and just let it sit and charge, the fans were sporadically spinning at such high RPMs, it almost seemed like the laptop was going to take off and fly away. The heat couldn't be the issue here because compared to, even my PowerBook, the new MB Pro runs very cool. In fact, every time the fans started spinning hard like that, the laptop got actually cold.

Now, this may seem as normal behavior to some, but not to me. This is my #9 Pro notebook from Apple and I've never experienced such things before.

Anyone else has similar problems with theirs?

Yikes! 1.5 hours isn't good at all, mine averages about 3.5 hours and I still think that ain't so great, but I can certainly live with it. I'm not exactly sure how this battery calibration works after you have tried doing it before, but perhaps if you continue drain the battery and recharge it, it will go back up? I dunno.

As for the fan noise, I know what you mean, I get it too, but ONLY when I'm playing WoW, otherwise in regular use it never goes on, I pay attention to that sort of thing. So you should probably take it back to Apple and have them look at it.

I know how you must feel, believe me, I've come across some bad products in my life-time before, from cars to computers, and unfortunately it's never been a smooth ride with any of them.

 

[arrash]

MBP C2D Problems

I have the same problem with the fans right now. I got the MBP on Nov 2 and noticed the fans were loud. I ran SMCFanControl just to see what they were running at and, to my surprise, the were hovering around 6000rpm!! I had NOTHING running other than Finder and the laptop was completely cold to the touch.

I decided to run Apple Hardware Test at that point. The first time, it just shut off during the test! I rebooted and in the middle of the startup "dong", it shut down again and again. I finally got the test to run and got error code 4SNS/1/40000000:Th1H.

This problem, coupled with the fact that the Apple Remote was missing from the box, forced me to call AppleCare Support. I am on the phone with them now and they stated they will send me a replacement.

 

[aristobrat]

When I plugged it back in though, and just let it sit and charge, the fans were sporadically spinning at such high RPMs, it almost seemed like the laptop was going to take off and fly away.

No clue if this applies to the new MBPs, but I had a similar problem with my MacBook where the fans would spin up to a high rate for no apparent reason (CPU wasn't busy, temp wasn't hot, etc). Rebooting didn't fix the issue, but resetting the PMU did.

 

[Eidorian]

http://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/

Might be a bad battery. *shrug*

 

[CaptainCaveMann]

Uh oh! Dont tell me there is another issue with the MBP and in the C2D this time!?

 

[Aelyrin]

Uh oh! Dont tell me there is another issue with the MBP and in the C2D this time!?

There will ALWAYS be issues with products. Regardless of what it is, from loaves of bread that get moldy after 2 days to 80,000 dollar cars that the tranny goes out in after 3 weeks use.

Does this mean the entire product line is *****? Or does it mean that there have been some individuals who are dealing with an isolated problem. Depends on the situation.

Listening to message boards is also a bad judge of how universal a problem really is. People who are upset and disgruntled are by nature vocal. People who are pleased are quiet and at home enjoying the hell out of their new MBPs.

A few people are suffering from a few different problems, and in every case I have seen reported Apple (once contacted) has offered to send a replacement machine. In my mind this is as good as it can possibly get, apple understands their products are not flawless, but they are confident enough that you will be pleased once they get you a machine that is working as intended.

I Am a first time apple buyer, and my ONLY complaint is that the Airline Adapter should have had a bit more clarity on the fact that it is NOT useable in a car. However, this is really my own fault as with a bit more background reading I would have found this out. The good news is, with some simple modifications, it can BE an airline/car adapter that will even allow your macbook to charge.

Anyway, rambling!

Sorry to hear your first machine isnt working out for those of you above, hope the replacement is everything you hoped it would be!

 

[CaptainCaveMann]

There will ALWAYS be issues with products. Regardless of what it is, from loaves of bread that get moldy after 2 days to 80,000 dollar cars that the tranny goes out in after 3 weeks use.

Does this mean the entire product line is *****? Or does it mean that there have been some individuals who are dealing with an isolated problem. Depends on the situation.

Listening to message boards is also a bad judge of how universal a problem really is. People who are upset and disgruntled are by nature vocal. People who are pleased are quiet and at home enjoying the hell out of their new MBPs.

A few people are suffering from a few different problems, and in every case I have seen reported Apple (once contacted) has offered to send a replacement machine. In my mind this is as good as it can possibly get, apple understands their products are not flawless, but they are confident enough that you will be pleased once they get you a machine that is working as intended.

I Am a first time apple buyer, and my ONLY complaint is that the Airline Adapter should have had a bit more clarity on the fact that it is NOT useable in a car. However, this is really my own fault as with a bit more background reading I would have found this out. The good news is, with some simple modifications, it can BE an airline/car adapter that will even allow your macbook to charge.

Anyway, rambling!

Sorry to hear your first machine isnt working out for those of you above, hope the replacement is everything you hoped it would be!

The name "Airline adapter" wasnt clear enough for you?

 

[Aelyrin]

The name "Airline adapter" wasnt clear enough for you?

It should have been, but the adapter fits in a car lighter port and as I do not have a very firm understanding regarding electrical current, wattage, and voltage I assumed it would work.

Silly assumption to have made. I am a first time apple buyer and had assumed that they would have a car adapter available (as most other laptop companies out there do). This appeared to be it, but sadly I was mistaken.

Luckily, with some simple adaptation the unit can be converted into a proper car charger, it's not the prettiest thing in the world, but it works.

 

[Collin973]

I haven't had any problems with mine. My battery lasts at least 3 hours with airport, almost full brightness, safari, mail, firefox, yahoo messenger, maybe terminal open. I have heard the fans go on, the first day I got it and it sounds like an aircraft taking off, but I haven't heard them since.

I'm very very pleased with the new MBP's. Mine seems to be great!

 

[arrash]

Vlad, you are lucky that you got a stock config model! I had a CTO (see sig) so I have to wait for Apple to send me a label via email (up to 48Hrs), then I have to ship it back and wait for them to send out a new replacement! I am bummed I have to wait.

As for your issue, don't wait. Go swap it out for a new one! You deserve one that works perfectly. However, Apple has made great notebooks so lets not hold this against them.

 

[Chrispy]

I have an issue with the case and backlighting on mine that I received today. Nothing really major but macconnection offered to give me a replacement anyways. YAY for good service.

You can see my issue here
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=3015517&posted=1#post3015517

 

[vladinecko]

Vlad, you are lucky that you got a stock config model! I had a CTO (see sig) so I have to wait for Apple to send me a label via email (up to 48Hrs), then I have to ship it back and wait for them to send out a new replacement! I am bummed I have to wait.

i know, my previous 8 powerbooks were all custom built and i had to go through what you go through. now i said, to hell with it and just got it stock. i already have more memory on the way and i can definitely live with a 120gb hard drive so it's all good.

 

[ryanh888]

fans?

hey guys,

got mine today and its great! Just one issue... I am transfering over a lot of my stuff... and the computer is getting hot, but the fans are not running... Does anyone know how i can turn them on to cool this thing down? The fans came on right at startup, but havent since... eventhough Im doing quite a bit of work... thanks for any ideas/help!

ryan

 

[vladinecko]

thanks for all your responses!

i'll just have to go ahead and have it replaced for another one. i hope i'm just a rare case. it just beats me that i have this kind of luck. there wasn't one time i got an apple laptop that would be (major) issue free. oh well...

 

[Chrispy]

thanks for all your responses!

i'll just have to go ahead and have it replaced for another one. i hope i'm just a rare case. it just beats me that i have this kind of luck. there wasn't one time i got an apple laptop that would be (major) issue free. oh well...

I feel your pain. I have had so many Apple products with little things here and there wrong with them I can't even count. From dead pixels to physical defects (my favorite was the teeth marks in the screen casing on a powerbook on arrival). I am hoping my replacement MBP will be flawless.

 

[tekmoe]

sucks for you man. my stock 2.16 is perfect.

see everyone, just goes to show, there ARE perfect mbp's out there. mine is one of them.

 

[shiv]

Just a quick question maybe. For those that have posted here that are getting good battery life ( or not so good battery life ) is bluetooth connected or not? Will bluetooth eat up the battery faster in a charge?

I am speculating whether my battery may be on the lower side of life, so I'm trying to round up whatever info I can as well.

 

[e12a]

I dont think i have problems, but to boot up just now, i pushed the button (DVD drive turned on) and there was a delay of 5 seconds before the screen actually showed the grey screen and sounded the chime. kinda weird.

but i usually get 3 hours of battery life at a lower brightness setting while connected to a wireless AP, using Word 2004, and browsing the internet. Bluetooth on/off makes very little difference if any.

 

[shiv]

E12a,
Thanks for the info, that is very helpful. So far all my testing has been at full brightness. Maybe this makes a big difference compared to lower brightness?
I think on my next charge I will try to test with more of a bare minimum, such as just safari open and my adium, aiport connection, at low brightness, and see what my results are.

 

[andrewfee]

I would definitely make sure you've calibrated the battery properly. My MacBook Pro turned up on Tuesday, and the battery life seems fine, although the reporting was way off on the first charge. I plugged it in when I got it, made sure it was fully charged, and then gave it another two hours plugged in before moving it. After that, I started using the battery and ran it down completely. By that, I mean it was running until it went into sleep and would't wake up. I then left it overnight like this and waited until the sleep light went off too. (battery completely down) After doing this, plug it back in and let it charge up fully, giving it another extra couple of hours before disconnecting. It said it should only take an hour and a half to charge up, but it was more like three or four. (I didn't time it)

I've only used it off the battery once again so far, but with browsing/chatting/downloading, bluetooth on (I've now turned it off) and speakers off, I had about two and a half hours with it saying there was an hour left before plugging it back in. Playing music/using the speakers kills the battery life on my sister's MacBook - I've pretty much always got the speakers off with this, so perhaps that's what it could be. I've got the standard spec 2.33GHz 15"


As for fans - they're definitely on a lot more than my 1.67GHz 17" Powerbook. With my Powerbook, the fans were off most of the time, letting it get hot enough to burn the skin off your legs, and then putting the fans on after 5-10 minutes.

Most of the time when using this, the fans are running at a low speed, with them spinning up higher occassionally, but they're still rather quiet if you ask me, and the laptop has never got anything more than warm, which is far more important.


Normally I've got it at about 6-8 notches on brightness, which still seems brighter than my Powerbook at max. I'll only turn it up if it's a very bright room that actually needs it to see what I'm doing.

 

[shiv]

great info andrewfee!
one thing i love about the mbp vs. my wife's mb is the non existance of heat and low noise of the fans! the mb would sound and feel like its about to propel into the air like a copter when the fans start. the mb's heat is a major issue too. the mbp really doesn't feel like much heat is coming off from it at all!

 

[e12a]

oh one more thing, make sure you're calibrating the correct way. It is different than calibrating in a Powerbook.

The difference is that after you have discharged enough to force sleep, you have to let it sleep at least 5 hours before recharging to full. Good time to do that is when you're asleep. (which i did)

 

[GaseousPlatypus]

I don't think Lithium-Polymer batteries need to be calibrated, so I doubt that's the problem.