Can I Use the MacBook Air 2017 While Charging?

So you have your new MacBook Air 2017 and you are curious if you can use it while it's charging. Whether the battery is at 40% or about to be fully charged, you might wonder if it's harmful to use. In this article, we will break down the process and help you understand better.

The Safety and Design of Modern Laptops

First and foremost, the simple answer is a resounding ldquo;Yesrdquo; to using your MacBook Air 2017 while it's charging. All modern laptops, including the MacBook Air 2017, are designed to allow for this type of usage. The laptop is technically running on the power supply from the charger but the operating system and software handle the distribution of power from the charger and the battery, optimizing performance.

How Does the Charging Process Work?

When you plug in your MacBook Air 2017 to the charger, it starts drawing power from the source. However, not all of that power is directly used by the computer. A portion of it is used to charge the battery. The remaining power is used by the computer itself, which means you can use it just like you would with a fully charged laptop. The entire process is designed to ensure that you can use the laptop seamlessly during charging without any harm to the battery life or device performance.

Common Misunderstandings

Do I Need a Fully Charged Battery to Use the Laptop?

Another common misconception is that you must wait for the battery to be fully charged before using the laptop. This is not the case. Modern laptops, including the MacBook Air 2017, can run on battery power even while it is still charging. This simultaneously contributes to the charging process.

For example, you might be at a friend's house and find yourself in a situation where you need to use your laptop right away. If you have plugged it in and the battery is at 40%, you can commence using the laptop as you normally would. The battery will continue to charge, but it may take longer to reach a full 100% if you use the laptop at the same time. The key point is that the laptop itself can function perfectly well while the battery is still charging.

Will Using It While Charging Ruin the Battery Life?

No, using your MacBook Air 2017 while it's charging will not ruin the battery life. In fact, laptops are often designed to handle usage during charging to ensure seamless operation. Modern laptops can manage their power consumption in such a way that it does not harm the battery. The battery is built to handle both usage and charging concurrently. This is achieved through various power management techniques.

Additional Tips and Advice

While your MacBook Air 2017 can be used while charging, there are still precautions and tips you can follow to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible:

Monitor Battery Health: Regularly check your battery health using the built-in utilities in macOS. This can help you understand the state of your battery and detect any potential issues early. Balance Usage: While modern laptops can manage usage while charging, intermittent usage can help maintain battery health. Don't rely on it to charge constantly while in heavy use. Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system and software are up to date. This ensures that you have the latest bug fixes and optimizations, which can improve battery performance. Quality Chargers: Use high-quality chargers and cables to ensure you get the best charging performance and to avoid potential damage.

Conclusion

In summary, you can use your MacBook Air 2017 while it's charging. Whether it's at 40% or nearly fully charged, there's no need to worry about harming the battery life. Just like any other modern laptop, the device is designed to handle this type of usage. So feel free to use your laptop whenever you need it, whether it's charging or not.