Apple Power Supplies

MacBook Battery Replacement – Doing Something Simple with the Right Instructions

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:53:54 +0000

Doing a MacBook battery replacement is not difficult. The first step is determining if you actually need to replace a battery at all. Some people think they need to replace their battery if the charge doesn’t last as long as it once did. If the charge holds long enough for normal use, you can likely keep that old battery. If the length of charge continues to go down, it is likely the time. After you know you need to replace the battery, you need to find a replacement. The most obvious and best choice is a replacement battery from Apple. There are others on the market, but using them can void your warranty.

Once you have a MacBook battery replacement on hand, the actual operation is easy. First, shut the MacBook completely down. Then let it sit at least 30 minutes in order to give the internal pieces time to cool down. When it’s cool, take out all cords except the power cord. Unplug it from the wall, however. The next step is going to be turning the MacBook upside down. Before you do this, lay down a layer of soft cloths such as towels. You want to protect the screen from inadvertent damage. Turn the MacBook over and sit it down on the soft surface.

The next step is to release the old battery from the MacBook. You will see a grooved notch on the battery latch. Use a coin to turn that latch clockwise 90 degrees. This will release the battery. Lift the old battery out of the bay. Set it aside. Touch a metal surface in the battery bay with your finger. This will help discharge any built-up static charge. It is important to prevent static build-up during this process. Put the new battery into the battery bay. Press it into place and use the coin to turn the battery latch back into place. At that point, you can plug the power cord back in and start up the computer. That is how you do a MacBook battery replacement.

A MacBook battery replacement is not something you need to leave to the pros. But, it is important to follow the directions very carefully to prevent damage to the MacBook. When you do the work, you can save money and time. You can also look to the pros at Apple for this service. But, you need to make that decision for yourself.

Photos by ifixit.com

How to Tell Fake Macbook Battery from Original One – From Sales to Installation, Look for Signs

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:53:39 +0000

It can be difficult to learn how to tell fake MacBook battery from original one. The manufacturers making the fake ones have taken pains to make them look very similar to the genuine articles. When you put the two of them next to each other, there are subtle differences, but when getting the parts out of the box, it is difficult to tell. They look to have the same part numbers and writing on the body. But, there are a few ways to tell a fake from the genuine article.

First, when you are looking for a replacement battery, make note of the prices that many sellers charge. If you find a battery at a much lower price, your fake alarm needs to start going off. The first rule in learning how to tell fake MacBook battery from original one is that a very cheap model may not be genuine.

Unless someone is trying to sell an extra battery from his MacBook, you need to use caution. Any dealer who says they sell genuine batteries at a radically lower price is likely selling you a genuine fake Macbook battery. While you may be looking for a good price, you need to use great caution.

When you take your new MacBook battery out of the package, you may see some differences with your old battery. That is another rule in learning how to tell fake MacBook battery from original one. Genuine MacBook accessories have a very similar look and feel to the originals. The fake batteries will look like a pale imitation. The printing will not be a clear and crisp. You may notice some odd spelling on the writing in places. The edges may be rougher. These differences are subtle indicators of a fake battery.

Your new MacBook battery should install into your laptop as easily as the older one did. If you have to force the battery into the slot or it won’t fit, you likely have a fake one in your hand. Another rule in learning how to tell fake MacBook battery from original one is checking the internal information. Check your System Profiler. There should be a clear indication of who manufactured the battery and it should provide a serial number. If either piece of information is missing, you likely have a fake. Using these simple steps can prevent your MacBook from receiving damage due to fake battery.

MacBook Power Adapter Tips

admin — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 19:47:10 +0000

Do not think you need an engineering degree to understand how to use MacBook power adapter. Many people have trouble figuring out how to use the power adapter at first. However, there are a few simple things to remember when using the adapter.

First, you will likely see the adapter as a white brick. That is only part of its function. The adapter has two sides to it. You need to understand both sides to know how to use MacBook power adapter. One side connects to the outlet while the other side connects to the computer. When looking from the top down on the adapter you may notice that one corner seems to have a cutout on it. This is the side where the outlet meets the adapter. When you look on the side of this particular adapter area, you will see two prongs folded down into the adapter. If you flip those up you have the ability to plug the adapter directly into the wall, if you live in North America.

Second, you can change the adapter to accommodate an extension cord or another country’s electrical plug. This part often confuses those that want to know how to use MacBook power adapter. The area that appears to be a cutout is actually an interchangeable part that allows you to use an extension cord or the adapter for another country’s electrical supply. To change it, you gently pull the plug adapter off of the main body of the power adapter. It should come off with gentle force, but do not use too much force. Once you have the other plug off, you can take the power cord extension or the adapter for another country’s electrical supply and put it back on where you just took the old one off.

Once you have the adapter in place, the final step in learning how to use MacBook power adapter is to plug the connector to the computer. You will likely have to remove the protective cover on the end during the first use. All you need to do is to push the magnetic connector into the appropriate slot on the side of your MacBook. Once everything snaps into place, you can plug in your power cord. If everything is ready to go, you will see an LED light appear on top of the connector cord light up. An orange light indicates it is charging while a green light indicates the battery is fully charged.

How to Choose Right MacBook Battery

admin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:36:20 +0000

In learning how to choose right MacBook battery, you need to look for an OEM product. Many people find that they can purchase the MacBook battery at a lower price if they go with an aftermarket retailer. Aftermarket retailers sell products that are similar in nature to the OEM product but not quite the same. However, with Apple products such as the MacBook, it is very important to use an OEM product. This will ensure that your MacBook receives the proper voltage and does not experience battery spikes or other surges which can damage internal electronics.

Do not use a fake battery. In recent years, companies in developing nations have been trying to replicate MacBook batteries. While they may look the same, it is very important not to use a fake battery. In learning how to choose right MacBook battery, you need to understand the problems that a fake battery can cause. Fake batteries often do not have the surge protection that an OEM battery would have. This can cause voltage problems. It can also cause problems with internal operations and cause operational failures. Avoiding these problems will help you avoid damage.

When learning how to choose right MacBook battery, you need to know your MacBook model and year. While Apple tends to keep many parts the same between different releases, it is important to purchase a battery which is compatible with your particular model and year. This will ensure that you are getting the proper voltage as well as the internal configuration to protect your MacBook from electrical surges. Any OEM retailers should be able to give you the proper battery if you give them the model and year of your MacBook. If they cannot, then you should go elsewhere.

Consider quality over price. Many people who want to learn how to choose right MacBook battery first look at the price. Purchasing a battery from Apple can be very expensive. However, if you purchase a low quality fake battery, you may be paying a higher price in damage to your MacBook. You can also void the warranty on your MacBook by using a non-OEM battery. Make sure you use quality parts and do not void your warranty when replacing your battery. These are just a few considerations when getting a new MacBook battery. Take your time and find the right product in order to protect your data and laptop.

A Few Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Battery Charge

admin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:18:57 +0000

When running on battery power, many people forget about maximizing Apple MacBook battery charge. But, the more life you get out of the battery, the longer you can go between charging sessions. Here are a few tips on extending your battery charge. Take your screen brightness level down to the lowest level where you can still work comfortably. Screen brightness has a big impact on your battery charge. When you press the F1 key, you can bring the brightness down incrementally. You can extend the battery charge by a few hours by changing this setting. Make sure you can still work comfortably however.

Get to know the Energy Saver preferences on your computer. When maximizing Apple MacBook battery charge with these preferences, you can make several adjustments. You can adjust the time when the hard drive sleeps as well as when the computer and displays shut down when you are not using the laptop. Some MacBooks have options such as Better Battery Life and Automatic Graphic Switching. These options automatically give the laptop the option to maximize battery charge by changing certain settings without user intervention. If you are running a graphics intensive program or high-powered application, you may have to decide between battery optimization and performance.

Make sure your computer is not running any unnecessary peripherals or programs. Eject any discs you are not using. Disconnect any peripherals, unless you need them. Check for any programs running that you are not currently using. By taking care of these small power drains, you will be maximizing Apple MacBook battery charge. Shut down the Bluetooth and wireless networking in order to save large amounts of battery charge. Only have up what you are using now. If you are not going to use a program for a while, shut it down.

Another part of maximizing Apple MacBook battery charge is to monitor the battery status menu occasionally. If you see your battery status going down faster than it should, that is a sign that you may have missed something that is draining the battery’s charge. It also gives you an indication whether you need to consider finding a charging option before you drain the battery completely. These simple steps can give you several hours of additional battery charge. However, no battery will last forever. It is important to make sure to save your work regularly and keep an eye on the battery gauge.

How to Check If Your MacBook Power Adapter Not Working

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 07:37:42 +0000

If you are not getting power to your MacBook, you need to know how to check if your MacBook power adapter not working. Of course, one of the best indications of a problem is when the power adapter doesn’t charge the computer. If your battery dies and you cannot get a charge on it, check the power adapter before replacing the battery. Another common indicator of a problem is the LED light on the adapter doesn’t light up when you attach it to the computer. Some may see the power adapter charging the battery intermittently. Others may actually see the insulation separating from around the end of the connector. Any of these may indicate the need to replace the adapter.

Here are some items to check in learning how to check if your MacBook power adapter not working. Make sure the power adapter is in a good outlet. The easiest way to check this is to plug a lamp into the outlet and make sure it works properly. If the outlet is not working properly, the battery will not receive the charge it needs. Make sure the outlet carries the proper wattage for the adapter. If the wattage is too low, it can cause the adapter to have operational issues. Check to see if the outlet is on a circuit with another electrical device which feeds noise into the line. This can include refrigerators or ballast lights. The line noise triggers the adapter’s protection protocol because it mimics ground noise. This shuts the adapter down. Put the adapter on a UPS to prevent this problem.

Make sure you are using the right adapter to your computer. This is basic in how to check if your MacBook power adapter not working. You can use a higher wattage adapter on your MacBook, but one with a lower wattage. If your adapter’s wattage is too low, then it can cause problems with battery charge. Another thing to check on your adapter is the AC connectors. Switch the AC cord for the AC plug, or vice versa. If one works and the other doesn’t then it’s a problem with that part, not the adapter itself.

One final thing to consider, in how to check if your MacBook power adapter not working is the cord going from the adapter to the computer. If you see the cord’s insulation starting to part or pull away from the connectors, you may have damage in this cord. You can check this by plugging it into the computer and wiggling the cord. If the LED goes on and off, then you have a damaged cord.

How to Care for your Macbook Battery

admin — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 09:43:15 +0000

In learning how to care for your MacBook battery, you need to understand basics in its technology. Macbook batteries are lithium-ion. They are different from the more familiar nickel-cadmiums that many other laptops use. In order to maximize your battery’s life, you need to treat this battery properly from the beginning. Before you unplug the computer for the first time, give the Macbook battery a full charge. This gives the battery a running start on keeping its power for its full lifespan. The MacBook battery works best in temperatures from 50 F to 95 F. You can store it in temperatures from -13 F to 113 F. It is important to keep your MacBook updates current. Apple often releases software and hardware updates that can help you save internal power on your MacBook.

You can learn how to care for your MacBook battery charge with a few simple tips. Learn how to use the Energy Saver settings. You can control how fast the display dims or shuts down when you are not using the laptop. You can also have the hard drive shut down sooner to preserve power. Drop the screen brightness down to a comfortable level that uses less power. Shut off or disconnect any software or hardware you are not using at the time. Eject any DVDs or CDs if you have no use for them.

Keep the battery’s energies flowing is another factor on how to care for your MacBook battery. In order to keep a rechargeable battery working at its best, you need to use it as the manufacturer intended. That means a laptop needs off the charger periodically to work off of battery power. This periodic use helps keep the internal energies working properly inside the battery. For those that use the laptop as a desktop most of the time, Apple recommends going through a discharge and recharge cycle at least once a month to keep the battery working well.

Do not store your laptop with a full battery charge for long periods. You should not store it with a fully drained battery either. In learning how to care for your MacBook battery, you should store your laptop with around 50% on the battery. A fully charged battery can lose battery capacity with long storage. A drained battery can lose its ability to hold any charge with long storage. Fifty percent is the right balance between.

How to Extend the Life of MacBook Battery – Some Thoughts and Tips

admin — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:27:22 +0000

You may be wondering how to extend the life of MacBook battery. When you first get your laptop out of the box, you first step in getting the most life out of the battery is to give it a full charge the first time. This will give the battery a solid base on which to start life. If you ever have to replace your battery, make sure you also charge the new battery fully the first time as well. If you fail to do this, it can cause charge issues in the future with that battery not holding a charge.

MacBook batteries are lithium-ion. They do not have the same memory effect as the older nickel cadmium batteries. There are reports that you must fully drain the charge on nickel-cadmium batteries before recharging them or you run the risk of reducing their charge life. There is no such issue with lithium-ion batteries. You can partially charge the MacBook battery and not affect its charge life. In fact, in knowing how to extend the life of MacBook battery, it is very important not to complete drain the lithium-ion batteries as this can damage their capacity. When possible, if your charge gets below 20%, plug your MacBook in and get the charge back up.

According to Apple, it is best to give the battery a regular workout. Do not keep your laptop plugged in all the time. Take it off the plug periodically and let the battery do its work. When the battery sits too long, unused, it can gradually lose its longevity. A factor in how to extend the life of MacBook battery is giving the battery regular exercise. If you do not use your MacBook daily, take it out and work on it every couple of weeks. This will keep energy working through the battery. If you do not plan to use it for a long period, you can store the battery with a partial charge. Some recommend keeping the battery separate during this time.

Apple can actually give you help on how to extend the life of MacBook battery. They offer periodic updates that work to reduce the energy requirements of the operating system. This will help reduce the energy needs from the battery. That helps improve the life of the battery. You need to use your head when it comes to battery life. Do not underuse the battery or overuse the charger for a long life.

MacBook Air Battery Tips – Save Energy, Save Money

admin — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 09:02:55 +0000

Most people understand that batteries are not designed to last forever. The chemical reaction that allows them to provide energy is just as much subject to the law of entropy as any other chemical process. This means that, eventually, even the battery in your beloved MacBook Air will run out of juice and need to be replaced. But by taking good care of your battery, you can make sure that your laptop battery lasts as long as possible. Here are a few MacBook Air battery tips to help you to make sure that you get the most out of your battery.

One of the most important MacBook Air battery tips is not to leave your laptop plugged into your battery charger all the time. This will overtax your battery and use up charging cycles that you could be saving. And you should also drain your laptop battery and then recharge it at least once a month. This allows the electrons in your battery to flow from one end of the battery to the other, keeping your battery from drifting its way towards a premature entropy. And if you’re not going to be using your laptop for a while, store it at a moderate temperature and a fifty percent charge.

There are also other settings you can change on your computer to preserve battery power. You can adjust your screen brightness so that the brightness of your screen doesn’t suck up all of your battery power. You can also turn off your wireless (Airport) and Bluetooth connections so that you’re not wasting your battery life by searching for a connection all the time. And make sure that you’ve got the latest software updates because Mac will often release new software updates that are designed to preserve your battery life. You can also quit any unused applications to save battery life. By using these MacBook Air battery tips, you can make your battery last longer.

No matter how diligently you care for your MacBook battery, it will fail eventually. But taking better care of your battery will help to make sure that it doesn’t die out before its time. It can be expensive to buy a replacement battery for your MacBook Air, so you can save a lot of money by making your batteries last longer. By taking these MacBook Air battery tips, you can make sure that you make your batteries last as long as possible.

How to Troubleshoot an Unresponsive Battery

admin — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:56:17 +0000

It always happens when you least expect it. Sometimes, it even happens at the worst possible time, like the night before a big presentation at work. But it will happen to everyone eventually, no matter what you do. If you have a problem with your Mac laptop battery not charging, then you’re not alone. As amazing as MacBooks are, even they run into problems on occasion. Fortunately, if you are experiencing problems with charging the battery on your MacBook, there are steps that you can take to troubleshoot the reasons behind this problem and, hopefully, fix the problem before it gets any worse.

It may sound like a no-brainer, but the first thing you should do is make sure that your charger is properly and securely plugged into your laptop, and then make sure that it’s properly and securely plugged into your power source. Many people assume that it’s plugged in properly because they remember doing it properly in the first place. But cords can be pulled out or disconnected pretty easily, so you want to make sure that the charger is plugged in correctly if you have a problem with your MacBook laptop battery not charging. You should also make sure that the power source is live. If you’re plugged into a power strip, make sure that it’s on. If you’re plugged directly into a wall socket, test it with a night light or another appliance to make sure that the socket is working properly.

If you’re still having a problem with your MacBook battery not charging, try a different power cord. It might be the power cable that’s the problem, and not the battery. You can also remove your battery from your computer and try it in a different computer to see if it will recharge on a different machine. If none of these methods work, then it just might be time to replace your laptop battery.

If your battery is at the end of its life, it’s not the end of the world. You might have to buy a new battery, but at least you’ll no longer have to worry about whether or not your battery is going to give out on you at an inopportune moment. If you have a problem with your MacBook notebook battery not charging, it’s empowering to know how to troubleshoot a faulty battery without having to wait on hold with tech support.