iPad 6th generation

[Comptech60013]

Hi, I just recently purchased an iPad 6 generation and have been basically using it far more than my laptop and so far it seems to be working fairly well as a laptop replacement and it actually makes it much more tolerable to be working.... I don’t have to spend as much time in my office around guys my own age, I can go hang out with my partner in his office and do my work or I can go sit out on the patio by my office in downtown Chicago and do the work outside if it is nice. My question is, is how often should I be charging the battery? Usually by the end of the day and when the train ride home is over, usually about 6 hours of use... it still shows like 58 to 68% battery remaining. I have had it for a week and typically plug it in to charge every night. Just wondering if I should wait to be charging it until the battery is lower percent remaining?

[IWT]

A warm welcome to Mac-Forums.

There are as many opinions as there are people willing to share them, as far as batteries go

My view - others may differ - is that 6 hours of fairly steady use is only taking your battery from 100% to "58-68%" is jolly good.

Moreover, I'd charge the battery overnight, at bedtime, not the minute you get home.

I think you will find that works very well.

You have "a laptop". I'm assuming, but may be wrong, that this is a Macbook (technically a Notebook, not a laptop)?

If so, you can download the free "coconutBattery app" to the MacBook, attach your iPad via USB and the app will give you a very detailed report on your battery health. This way, you can keep track of battery cycles, charge etc.

Hope that helps.

Ian

[Comptech60013]

Thanks,
Yeah it is a 2011 MacBook Pro. I will plug it in to charge every night, going to have to figure out what a normal bedtime should be for it, often I don’t go to bed until 3 am and we leave for the train to go to work at 6 am which drives my partner nuts, he actually gets really mad when I tell him I don’t care about sleep. Lol

[IWT]

Oh well, obviously not knowing your habits, I said "bedtime", but really, you can start the recharge long before 3am.

In the most general of ways, try not to let your battery get much below 50-60%. You can start the recharge when you like because there is built-in software which prevents any "over charging".

Ian

[Comptech60013]

I’m kinda assuming it is like my iPhone XR too where like once a month let it discharge to like 10% or so first?

[IWT]

Can do. Up to you. No harm, I reckon.

You'll find many who advise that - articles, battery manufacturers, ordinary folks.

And you can also read that this is "old hat" and belongs with NiCad batteries and not needed with Li-Ion batteries of today.

I have an iPhone X. I doubt it's ever been below 50-60%. But, hey, that's my take on things. My way, if you like.

Don't let it worry you too much. More important things in life

Ian

[pm-r]

You have "a laptop". I'm assuming, but may be wrong, that this is a Macbook (technically a Notebook, not a laptop)?

Hmmmm...??? Will the real MacBook please stand up!!!
It seems whatever name is used in this forum, notebook or laptop or whatever, it seems to get corrected somehow.

Best Apple Laptops 2019
The Best Laptops for 2019: Reviews by Wirecutter | A New York Times Company

The best Mac laptop
Best MacBook 2018 - A Guide to Apple Laptops - Laptop Mag

The MacBook lineup is now a mix of new and older laptops,

Best MacBook 2018 - A Guide to Apple Laptops - Laptop Mag

Mac OS is supplied with the Apple MacBook line of laptop/notebook computers.
Before You Buy a Laptop or Notebook Computer

Heck, why not just call and refer to them as MacBooks???

Just being a bit pickish, better go and have a nice evening wine. ;-)



- Patrick
======

[IWT]

It's not a big deal, Patrick. Apple lists it as a Notebook because it is intended to be used on a flat surface like a table.

It is not meant to be rested on the lap, or worse, a cushion or bedclothes - because the heat escape vents are on the under surface and point downwards. Risk of overheating.

So what, you might say. Many use the Notebook this way and many refer to it as a laptop

Ian