MBP actual battery life

[cmm]

Someone mind doing a test for me?

Run iTunes, have an IRC client running, Firefox, AdiumX, and work open and leave it running on the battery and time it for me.

That's really all I'll be doing, so I'd like to know the battery life.

Thanks.

cmm

PS If you wont do that, will you just share your battery life times please. I'm trying to make the best possible buying decision.

 

[cmm]

Addendum: It would be interesting to see how much iTunes takes, because I have an iPod I could use. So, if someone wants to do two tests, that would be appreciated.

Thanks I know this is a lot to ask!

 

[mmmcheese]

Using Safari, Adium, etc...basic web stuff....screen on the lowest setting....wireless (no BT), I get 3.5 hours of constant use.

 

[cmm]

What's BT?

3.5 isn't bad...but it isn't good. Anyone know how much another battery is?

And do you know how much Word would take from it?

 

[ero87]

BT = bluetooth.

Word would drain some of that battery, but 3.5 hours is a nice average. I think 4 is the absolute-best you can expect. It's a powerful machine! Make sure you get extra RAM btw.

 

[cmm]

512 wont be enough for my needs? Should I buy aftermarket? I don't think I could afford more than the base system right now, so the ram would have to wait.

 

[mmmcheese]

What's BT?

3.5 isn't bad...but it isn't good. Anyone know how much another battery is?

And do you know how much Word would take from it?

Word isn't processor intensive (95% of the time it's not doing anything), so it shouldn't change times.

Things that draw power:
- Processor usage (higher CPU usage = lower battery life)
- Screen brightness
- Optical drive use
- Hard drive access (More RAM lets teh hard drive spin down more often and is accessed less)
- Wireles/BT
- USB/Firewire devices (Moreso with powered USB devices)
- Graphically intensive apps (using 3D, etc)
- Speakers (the amplifyer more specifically)
- Keyboard backlight

 

[cmm]

Alright, thanks. So, it's safe to say I'll get 3.5-4 hours from it, right?

 

[mmmcheese]

Alright, thanks. So, it's safe to say I'll get 3.5-4 hours from it, right?

If you're not using wireless....if you are, then 3-3.5...but I normally get 3.5.

 

[cmm]

I will be using wireless as my school is set up for it. So, I expect to get 3.5. Not terrible. I'll buy an extra battery just in case (I looked at prices, only 129).

Thanks guys!

 

[tristan]

512 wont be enough for my needs? Should I buy aftermarket? I don't think I could afford more than the base system right now, so the ram would have to wait.

Go to http://www.dealmac.com and bump it up to a gig. You'll thank me later.

 

[thegreatluke]

With Bluetooth off, the screen at 1/16 bars, Wifi on, and only doing basic web surfing/chatting, I get around 4.5 hours.

With Bluetooth on, the screen at 16/16 bars, Wifi on, and doing slightly more intensive things such as video editing or iTunes playing, I get around 3 hours.

 

[cmm]

Is it hard to upgrade ram?

 

[Temujin]

Is it hard to upgrade ram?

Nope. Remove battery, unscrew cover, click in the new ram. That's it.
Check link for pictures, http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/85.4.4.html only first two.

 

[cmm]

Do I need to ground myself?

 

[Temujin]

Touching something grounded before install is a good idea yeah.

 

[mmmcheese]

Touching something grounded before install is a good idea yeah.

Not really...you want to touch something that is grounded the same as the machine...since the machine has a metal case, just touch the case first.

It's the difference in charge that's the real problem. If you touched the pipes to your sink (a really good earth ground), and you then touched your machine, which is not connected to anything, you're likely charged differently than the machine, so there's a chance you'll release a static charge. If you're grounded to the machine, then there's no problem. Ideally, of course, you'd already have the machine grounded to a really good earth ground (like the pipes in your house).

 

[tristan]

Upgrading RAM is very difficult - only long-haired Japanese computer scientists from MIT or Stanford can pull it off, and even then they have to clear about five square miles just because if the magnetic polarity is wrong or a solar flare occurs, a gamma radiation burst can result that will ionize the atmosphere and cause mass lightning storms.

Seriously, you just unscrew a panel and then push in the board with chips on it until it clicks. There are even instructions on the Apple web site.

 

[Kreamy]

Upgrading RAM is very difficult - only long-haired Japanese computer scientists from MIT or Stanford can pull it off, and even then they have to clear about five square miles just because if the magnetic polarity is wrong or a solar flare occurs, a gamma radiation burst can result that will ionize the atmosphere and cause mass lightning storms.

Seriously, you just unscrew a panel and then push in the board with chips on it until it clicks. There are even instructions on the Apple web site.

I demand the last 5 seconds of my life back.

 

[Nar1117]

Upgrading RAM is very difficult - only long-haired Japanese computer scientists from MIT or Stanford can pull it off, and even then they have to clear about five square miles just because if the magnetic polarity is wrong or a solar flare occurs, a gamma radiation burst can result that will ionize the atmosphere and cause mass lightning storms.

Seriously, you just unscrew a panel and then push in the board with chips on it until it clicks. There are even instructions on the Apple web site.

Heh.

 

[Johnny.MacLeod]

I demand the last 5 seconds of my life back.

I was thinking the same thing