Extended battery upgrade for MacBook Air (external)

QuickerTek has introduced an extended battery upgrade for Apple's MacBook Air, which it says offes six to ten hours of additional battery power -- for a total of 12-16 hours of battery life when used in conjunction with the (charged) internal battery. "Since the MacBook Air has a non-removeable battery, the typical user strategy of using multiple ...

FastMac wants to charge your spare MacBook battery

Section: Apple, Mac + Computers, LaptopsBatteries are essential for your MacBook or MacBook Pro, most of us charge them whenever near a power outlet by simply plugging them in. But there are those situations when you need a spare battery or even more than one spare. Mac laptop owners can now use FastMac’s universal laptop battery charger. Named “U-Charge”, the device can charge a virtually infinite list of Apple laptops – ranging from iBooks to MacBooks. The $69 universal charger includes a variety of different adaptors, for the different Apple laptops that it can power. The following Macs can be charged by the U-Charge: iBook G3 12-inch iBook G4 12-inch MacBook 13-inch MacBook Pro 15-inch MacBook Pro 17-inch PowerBook G3 Bronze (Lombard) PowerBook G3 Pismo PowerBook G4 12-inch PowerBook G4 15-inch PowerBook G4 17-inch Almost all of Apple’s notebook lineup for 5 years is there, with the exception of the MacBook Air, which does not have a removable battery. Unfortunately, it’s not available right now – but FastMac expects to ship these within the next 30 days. Via [Crave] Full Story » | Written by Stephen Chinnadorai for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Apple Introduces New MacBook and MacBook Pro Models

CUPERTINO, California—February 26, 2008—Apple® today updated its popular MacBook® and MacBook Pro notebook lines with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, larger hard drives and 2GB of memory standard in most models. In addition, MacBook Pro includes the latest NVIDIA graphics processors, now with up to 512MB of video memory, and Apple’s innovative Multi-Touch™ trackpad, first introduced in MacBook Air™. All Mac® notebooks include a built-in iSight® video camera for video conferencing on-the-go*, Apple’s MagSafe® Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain and built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.**

Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?

Like virtually all mobile computer manufacturers, Apple recommends that users calibrate their laptop batteries every few months, as Scott pointed out a couple of years ago. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Apple does not include a utility to automatically perform a calibration. Given Apple's uncanny ability to make things user-friendly, this seems like a bit of a glaring oversight. What are the benefits of calibration? Primarily the goal is to ensure that the microprocessor in your battery provides an accurate estimate of how much time you have left on the battery. Over time it can lose track of just how much juice your battery has in it, and calibration gives it a very accurate reading on the battery's health. Older battery technologies also benefited from a process called conditioning, which was typically performed the same way as a current battery's calibration process. In a nutshell, you fully charge the battery, fully discharge it, then fully charge it again. It's unclear whether modern lithium batteries gain anything in an actual capacity perspective from this process, or if it is simply a calibration of the microprocessor for the purpose of providing accurate time estimates.Continue reading Battery calibration recommended by Apple, why no utility?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Add 6 to 10 hours of battery life to MacBook Air with Apple Juicz

Section: Mac + Computers, Laptops, MacBook Air, PeripheralsAre you looking for a way to extend the battery life of your MacBook Air? QuickerTek might have the solution. QuickerTek is rolling out a new product called Apple Juicz, which will charge your MacBook Air through thin-film solar cells in as little as five hours. Since Apple Juicz extends the MacBook Air’s battery life, you won’t have to worry about running out of power while you are working on your projects. There is an LED status indicator that lets you know what is going on. Also included is a modified MacBook Air MagSafe charger (which uses military-spec parts) that provides a more powerful charge—and yes, it will still work with the stock MacBook Air. Apple Juicz offers three different solar panels for you to choose for your MacBook Air: 55 watt model - This is their priciest model and will cost you $1000. It recharges the MacBook Air in five hours. It unfolds to 60 X 42 inches. 27 watt model - This model is $600 and charges your MacBook Air in 8 hours. It unfolds to 41.5 x 30.5 inches. 18 watt model - This model cost $500. It recharges your MacBook Air in 14 hours. It unfolds to 30.5 X 30 inches. Included with each purchase is the Element backpack in which you can store your Apple Juicz and MacBook Air. You’ll also receive car and airline power adapters. QuickerTek also has a power adapter for regular AC wall outlets. I enjoy working outdoors, and most days you can find me outside sitting under a tree working on my 17” MacBook Pro. I have outdoor outlets at my home, so running out of juice isn’t an issue; however, this is something I would consider. QuickerTek claims that AppleJuicz can add an additional six to ten hours of battery life to the MacBook Air, which would definitely save on frequent trips to the house. If you are looking for a greener, although slightly pricey, option for your MacBook Air, check out Apple Juicz. Product [Apple Juicz] Full Story » | Written by Opal Tribble for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

More MacBook details: battery life claims, enviro push, more

When Apple revamped its MacBook and MacBook Pro lineups on Tuesday, the company also quietly changed its methods of reporting battery life and also made clear the eco-friendliness of the notebooks, among other changes. Although first hinted at in ...