I see the charge drop from 79% then go to 80%, but I don't monitor it closely. I'm fairly confident Apple has engineers that understand this exact use-case, and account for it via the battery management software.
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Why do people use clamshell mode?
- Thread starter LiE_
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Yeah, I was just worried that battery basically gets used as if you were using it on battery if it repeat between charging and battery use to hover around 80%. Probably not as much as pure battery use but still sounds like it will increase charge cycles evenly even that way.
Very slowly. It works the same way if you charge to 100% and turn off optimized battery charging. It will charge to 100% and then slowly discharge by 1% or 2% and then charge to full again. But at 80% it puts a lot less pressure on the battery so it will last longer. If it discharges by 5% per day you will get approximately 18 extra charge cycles a year. Nothing to worry about with a battery rated for 1000 cycles.
You mean this discharge is not from actual use but just what battery slowly discharges itself?
I mean it does not do so that during using your MacBook plugged in, it constantly uses the battery for 1% or 2% and then charges back to 80% repeating that endlessly?
Anyway, you are right that for the battery rated for 1000 cycles that does not sound bad. But the thing is in reality I find it hard to believe batteries these days really last anywhere near 1000 cycles. There are plenty of messages in this board alone with horrible battery experiences about their durability.
As long as your MacBook is on, even sleeping it is using some energy. Once the charger reaches its target it stops charging and then allows a slight discharge of the battery. It's controlled so that you only lose a few percentage (which is not usually shown in the official battery widget.)
Most posts that you read about batteries here are people with problems. People don't post that their 19 month old MacBook still is at 100% as mine is (the ioreg value is actually around 96% but Apple's battery health still shows 100%.) I'm only at 75 cycles though since I was docked for most of the 19 months using optimized battery charging until spring this year.
So yours was constantly plugged in for 19 months. Then 96% actual health sounds pretty reasonable. Can you remember how many charge cycles it had at the time this spring? I guess that 75 cycles include now some use on battery after that?
BTW, since yours was docked that long, can you see any hint of heat damage or similar on your display panel?
Like slight bluish cast on full screen fully white image? What kind of use was during docking (was it running hot, or just basic light use)?
I've been working on site since May so more like plugged in for 16 months. I started at about 60 cycles when I started using it on battery most work days.
My M1 MacBook Air is in pristine condition. I've noticed no issues at all. My use when docked is the same as when I've been on site. Writing software generally for webUI but I was also doing to some light macOS development. I've deliberately heated up the machine a few times for testing but the only way it normally gets warm is when I use Handbrake for long videos. I don't do that much anymore though. Maybe 10 times since I've owned the MBA.
The 14" is a work-issued laptop, and I occasionally go into the office
Although I do have a Mac Studio + Mac mini for personal use, and they're great!
Mine has been powered on and awake for nine months, and is currently reporting 26 cycles, despite actually being used as a laptop (on battery) every now and then.
Why do some of you have such an issue with this
Many people use their laptops in clamshell most of the time but still need the portability option. It's what people have been doing for a long time and works fine.
Many people use their laptops in clamshell most of the time but still need the portability option. It's what people have been doing for a long time and works fine.
Why do some of you have such an issue with this
Many people use their laptops in clamshell most of the time but still need the portability option. It's what people have been doing for a long time and works fine.
So you both suggest MBP 14" suitable as replacement for desktop system previously based on Mac Mini M1?
It will be safe to keep MBP all the time plugged in and in clamshell mode and just leave it sleep while not in use?
Of course keeping Optimized Battery Charging enabled in the settings?
That will not cause battery swelling or display lid getting "glue" shut due to rubber gasket getting damage from constant heat or such?
I seriously consider getting MBP 14" to replace my Mac Mini M1. I had MBA M1 as my portable computer but sold it because I used it like 1 or 2 times in a month (and even then mostly forced myself to find some use for it), so in the future I could take my clamshell MBP if or when I actually need a portable laptop.
All I can tell you is that I have had several MBP over the years, Clamshell for the majority of the time, never a single issue with any device, the battery has always been fine. I know many that do the same and they have never had issues.
I have been using the M1 Mac Mini since launch simple due to lockdown and WFH. Now that I am getting back out more and travelling I have ordered the 14" to replace the MM so I have portability back again. And I will be doing exactly the same with that device as I have done with them all. Clamshell most of the time.
Thanks, I guess there are more assuring comments than those who not suggest to do this.
What is the longest time you have used the same MacBook like that? I mean problems probably would occur (if they will) after 2+ years.
Also can anyone suggest stand from MBP 14". Not vertical but rather one that just has some angle and I can open lid easily if I ever need without removing from the stand? Also I would like a stand that has one part surface (just right size plate) for the laptop and rubber antislip pads exactly in the positions where MacBook 14" own legs are located. Also this "fork" type surface is considered too in case they are 100% even so that laptop chassis does not get twisted during long time resting on it (and that one also with rubber antislip pads matching MBP 14" own legs). I've been eyeing on stands like this: https://www.iboyata.com/laptop-stan...th-slide-proof-silicone-and-protective-hooks/ or https://www.iboyata.com/products/bo...stable-computer-stand-laptop-holder-for-desk/ Any comments? I think those both are something where only two MacBook feet will match stand antislip pad spacing.
The longest was nearly 5 years. After that was about 2 years largely because I was upgrading more often.
I use an mStand from rain design. Had my current MBP since 2019 I think. It’s the last of the intel ones.Thanks, I guess there are more assuring comments than those who not suggest to do this.
What is the longest time you have used the same MacBook like that? I mean problems probably would occur (if they will) after 2+ years.
Also can anyone suggest stand from MBP 14". Not vertical but rather one that just has some angle and I can open lid easily if I ever need without removing from the stand? Also I would like a stand that has one parts (big plate) surface for the laptop and rubber slip pads exactly in the positions where MacBook 14" own legs are located. Also this "fork" type surface is considered too in case they are 100% even so that laptop chassis does not get twisted during long time resting on it (and that one also with rubber antislip pads matching MBP 14" own legs). I've been eyeing on stands like this: https://www.iboyata.com/laptop-stan...th-slide-proof-silicone-and-protective-hooks/ or https://www.iboyata.com/products/bo...stable-computer-stand-laptop-holder-for-desk/ Any comments?
Does antislip pad placement match to that of your MBP? Is your MBP 13" or 15"/16"?
Antislip pads located same as you MBP?
Anyway, I think stand like this type would suit the best for my needs. Vertical stand is too much hassle if I need to open the display lid.
Same here, I used my 2010 15” MacBook Pro primarily clamshelled as my only computer for about six years, and for another two for travel after I got an iMac 5K. I still have it, and the battery and screen are both fine.
As do I.
I have replaced the iMac 5K with a 14” and two Studio Displays. Zero issues.
I love that there’s less bulk, fewer cables and no other crap on my desk compared to the iMac setup.
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Yeah, I know but I was curious if the anti slip pads on the stand match the location of your MacBook own legs so that MacBook legs are resting on stand anti slip pads?
I know it is not a big issue even not but for the long term use on stand, I think it is better that laptop is resting on its own 4 feet rather than supported from another locations on the bottom panel.
Just one thing is that battery quality is much lower these days in pretty much every device using Li-ion batteries. Back in the 10-15 years ago it was still pretty common for devices have Japanese made battery cells from know brands unlike these days.
However even considering all that, I think I feel safer to continue this planning to use my next MacBook as desktop and get rid of my Mini M1. Now I'm still on the fence trying to select between MBA M2 and MBP 14" Base model. I just realized I overlooked one crucial thing with MBP 14" Base performance, it is not far from M2 with most of the everyday tasks (I don't do video editing).
If I could choose again now I would definitely choose the M2.
It is smaller and lighter. I don’t care about the ports or MagSafe because I use a Thunderbolt dock anyhow. I rarely use the 14” screen, so that isn’t a factor. Single-core performance is better which is what I care most about, and 24 GB of RAM is sufficient.
The two things I would miss are dual-monitor support and 4 TB of storage, but I would make it work.