Looking after a Laptop
Mac Tip #98/23-April-2003

Many Mac users have one of the very many fine Powerbook or iBook computers. I’ve worked my way through the Powerbook range with a 100, 150, 5300, 1400, G3 (Lombard), G4/500 and now a fine G4/1Ghz and low-end ice iBook.

Most laptop owners will handle their machine with care, but there are also some techniques for ensuring a good long life.

When you plug your laptop in to the power, plug the cord into the wall first and turn on the power switch and then plug in to the computer. To unplug, reverse the procedure: laptop first, then unplug from the wall.

If you leave the laptop plugged in to the power don’t turn off the power switch at the wall as this can have the effect of draining the battery.

You can find important and useful information about Apple Powerbook and iBook batteries at Apple’s KnowledgeBase:

PowerBook: Recharging Batteries: [http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=10970]

This article discusses proper methods for recharging PowerBook and iBook batteries.

Powerbook Batteries FAQ: [http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=18241]

This article contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding PowerBook and iBook batteries and power issues, with answers to those questions .