Using a Macbook without the battery.

Dman001

Is it possible to plug the Macbook into the mains without the battery and use it. I want to use it as more of a computer than a laptop but I don't want to ruin the battery.

Sad Professor

Sure but Apple recommend against it.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305336

Dman001

The only problem they seem to have with it is if you knock out the ac adapter you will use your info. Would it be safe though and would it ruin the battery if I left it in along with the ac adapter?

Ham'nd'egger

Dman001 wrote: »

The only problem they seem to have with it is if you knock out the ac adapter you will use your info. Would it be safe though and would it ruin the battery if I left it in along with the ac adapter?

No, that isn't quite what it said...

"If the battery is removed from a MacBook or MacBook Pro, the computer will automatically reduce the processor speed. This prevents the computer from shutting down if it demands more power than the A/C adaptor alone can provide.

Additional information


Important: It is strongly recommended that you do not use your MacBook or MacBook Pro while the battery is removed. Accidently bumping the A/C adaptor could disconnect power and shutdown the computer. Any information that was not saved on your computer would be lost."

In short, running without your battery in means a laptop that won't run at optimum speeds and you run the risk of an accidental power off and no recovery if the adaptor falls out. Your battery will be fine with the charger in, subject to normal use. I'm 8 months in and mine has not lost any charge.

unclebill98

I've been using my Powerbook as my main computer for 4 years. Battery gave me 3 years before i felt the need to replace it.

Best to leave it in.

IamBeowulf

Dman001 wrote: »

The only problem they seem to have with it is if you knock out the ac adapter you will use your info. Would it be safe though and would it ruin the battery if I left it in along with the ac adapter?

If you leave the battery plugged in, along with the power lead, I'm pretty sure it'll do exactly the same as a mobile battery,i.e. prematurely shorten the batter life. Chargeable batteries tend to have a memory, so if it's half-charged, and you charge it again, the battery life will be affected.

I leave my gal's macbook plugged in without the battery unless I'm away from a power source. That way the battery will last years. So what if the cable's unplugged and data is lost.

Creamy Goodness

IamBeowulf wrote: »

I leave my gal's macbook plugged in without the battery unless I'm away from a power source. That way the battery will last years. So what if the cable's unplugged and data is lost.

if an attitude like this is taken i would never have anyone working on anything for me tbh.

IamBeowulf

Cremo wrote: »

if an attitude like this is taken i would never have anyone working on anything for me tbh.

It's not used for work.

ZENER

IamBeowulf wrote: »

Chargeable batteries tend to have a memory, so if it's half-charged, and you charge it again, the battery life will be affected.

Modern battery chemistries don't have the memory effect which used be associated with older batteries. Li-Ion and NiMH batteries have no such memory whereas NiCad (nickel cadmium) were well known for this.

I'd personally leave the battery in as the power supply is more a charger than a power supply as Apple say and has been linked to above.

ZEN

Dman001

I googled this and I have seen a few people say that it is okay to leave the battery in because once the battery is fully charged, no more power will go into the battery, or something along the lines of that.

GerardKeating

Dman001 wrote: »

Is it possible to plug the Macbook into the mains without the battery and use it. I want to use it as more of a computer than a laptop but I don't want to ruin the battery.

Leave it in, look on it as a UPS...