Apple APLLE MACBOOK manual Understanding Sudden Motion Sensor, Using Your Battery

Understanding Sudden Motion Sensor

Your MacBook has Sudden Motion Sensor technology, which helps protect the hard disk from damage if the computer is dropped or shaken.

Sudden Motion Sensor protection doesn’t affect hard disk performance during regular MacBook operation. Occasionally, unusually strong vibrations might activate the Sudden Motion Sensor technology at a time when your MacBook is writing or reading data intensively (such as when playing or recording video or audio). If you notice dropped frames or sound elements, make sure that your MacBook is in a stable environment without vibration or abrupt movement.

Using Your Battery

When the external power adapter is not connected, your computer draws power from its battery. The length of time that you can run your MacBook varies, depending on the applications you use and the external devices connected to your MacBook. Turning off features such as AirPort Extreme or Bluetooth wireless technology can help conserve battery charge. For more information about using your battery, see “Understanding Battery Conservation Tips” on page 77.

You can determine the charge left in your battery by looking at the battery level indicator lights on the battery itself. Press the button next to the lights, and the lights glow briefly to show how much charge is left in the battery. You can check the charge with the battery in or out of the MacBook.

If your battery runs low while you are working, attach your power adapter and let the battery recharge. To replace a low battery with a charged one when your computer isn’t connected to a power adapter, shut down your computer.

74Chapter 3 Using Your MacBook