Is My MacBook Air's Low Battery Life in Sleep Mode Normal?

[dRic2]

I have a 6 years old MacBook air, still running the OS of a couple of years ago. Lately, battery life is going down (around 4.5 hours of light/medium use) so I mainly use it as a desktop computer, connected to an external monitor. However, when I leave it in sleep mode (still on, but shell closed), I would expect it to last quite a bit. On the other hand, in about 8 hours the battery drops by half.

Do you think it is still normal or that it is close to the end of its life as a portable device?

Also, if I decide to convert it to a full desktop computer (always connected to the power when switched on), do you think that I should also change the battery? Or the battery doesn't matter if I leave it always in charge?

Thanks,
Ric

 

[Mark44]

At six years in age, it would probably be a good idea to replace the battery. I found several articles that discuss the longevity of batteries in MacBook Air laptops, including this one: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7950729
My search string was "battery lifespan in macbook air".

If you don't replace the battery, there is the possibility of the battery swelling up and fatally damaging the computer it's in.

 

[dRic2]

Thanks for the information. I also googled a bit, but I found people concerned about not being able to use the laptop as a laptop anymore (which is not my case since I want to convert it to a full desktop computer). I didn't know it could get damaged that badly.

 

[FactChecker]

A battery that has lasted 6 years has given you good value for your money. It is time to replace it.

 

[hutchphd]

Looks pretty easy (see video)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QS711K3/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[dRic2]

Those battery don't not have too nice reviews... but for 60$ I guess they are worth a try. I will not use it much either so...

Thanks all for the suggestions!

 

[Mark44]

Those battery don't not have too nice reviews...

I didn't read any of the reviews, but I noticed that the battery had 4 1/2 stars (out of 5), which means that roughly 10% of the purchasers didn't like the item. I buy quite a few items through Amazon, and usually read the reviews. My take on the buyers who give poor review ratings is that some people can manage to screw up anything. If the item has a reasonably good rating, I will usually buy it and hope for the best. So far this has worked out well for me.

 

[anorlunda]

If I intended to use it as a desktop computer, I would just remove the battery and not spend any money to buy a new one.

 

[FactChecker]

If I intended to use it as a desktop computer, I would just remove the battery and not spend any money to buy a new one.

One problem with that is that there is no backup power if the power goes out. A power outage without a UPS could lose data.

 

[hutchphd]

Stupid Question: Do all laptops run without a battery? I can imagine doing a miinimalist design where the battery was a vital filtering component. I have no idea otherwise...anybody know of problems?

 

[anorlunda]

One problem with that is that there is no backup power if the power goes out. A power outage without a UPS could lose data.

Yes, just like a desktop computer. When you use it as a desktop computer, what else would you expect?

I have run laptops on mains power sans battery several times. When living on a single solar panel, I sometimes had only enough power for the laptop, but not enough to run the laptop and charge its battery.

 

[FactChecker]

Yes, just like a desktop computer. When you use it as a desktop computer, what else would you expect?

Right. I have a UPS for my desktop computer. I don't know if the cost of a UPS has been considered by a person who is trying to save money by not replacing his laptop battery.

I have run laptops on mains power sans battery several times. When living on a single solar panel, I sometimes had only enough power for the laptop, but not enough to run the laptop and charge its battery.

It wouldn't surprise me if some laptops require a working battery even while plugged in. In any case, I wouldn't leave a failing battery in the laptop. It could ruin the laptop.

 

[vela]

Try running System Information (in the Utilities folder). Select Power in the Hardware section. What does it say about the state of the battery?

 

[dRic2]

Sorry If I am so late in replying.

So, apparently, it's not a great idea to run Macbooks laptops without a battery (https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/286211/can-macbooks-run-without-a-battery).

Try running System Information (in the Utilities folder). Select Power in the Hardware section. What does it say about the state of the battery?

My System Information says that the battery should be changed but I can also still run my PC safely without changing it.

Battery Health 2 estimates the health of the battery to be around 61%.

I didn't read any of the reviews, but I noticed that the battery had 4 1/2 stars (out of 5), which means that roughly 10% of the purchasers didn't like the item. I buy quite a few items through Amazon, and usually read the reviews.

I read some 4-star reviews and some of them contain an "update" 8/12 laters saying that the battery had to be replaced again.

I think I will stick with my current battery until the situation allows it, then I will try to get a couple more years with these cheap batteries on amazon.

 

[Frabjous]

Are Mac’s designed for users to replace the battery? I do not know about the current ones, but the answer for old ones is NO. This doesn’t mean that you cannot, but you will probably need to also get some specialist tools.