MacBook are well-known for their remarkable performance and stylish design. However, like any advanced technology, they can experience issues if not handled with caution.
Whether you’re an experienced Macbook user or new to the Apple ecosystem, you must be aware of common mistakes that may damage your device and hinder its efficiency.
This article will highlight these mistakes and provide valuable tips to prevent them.
6 Common Mistakes When Using A MacBook
Overcharge
Do you tend to keep your MacBook plugged in all the time? Did you know this can harm your battery’s overall charge capacity?
Even though MacBooks use efficient lithium-ion batteries that provide great performance, their maximum charging capacity diminishes over time, just like all batteries. It means that as your battery ages, you may lose usable time.
So, if your MacBook used to last around 8 hours, it may not be long until it lasts less. Plus, letting the battery completely die before plugging in the adapter is not a good idea as it can also damage the battery. MacBook batteries aren’t everlasting, and replacements can be costly. However, adopting better charging habits can help prolong the battery lifespan.
Not using its authentic power cables
Using a third-party charger is not the safest option and can cause serious hazards. Third-party products can catch fire or lack important safety features in official Apple products.
They may also not work well and make your Mac run slower. Of course, you don’t want that to happen to your device, right? There have also been some incidents where third-party chargers didn’t have proper earthing mechanisms, causing electrocution when in contact with the MacBook’s aluminum surface.
Besides, third-party products may also increase the risk of electric shock or overheating. Hence, we highly recommend replacing damaged charging or power cables with original Apple products, even though they may be pricier. By choosing official Apple accessories, you’re ensuring the safety and durability of your MacBook.
It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Poor ventilation and cooling
Another common mistake is not providing proper ventilation to your MacBook. Although MacBook are designed to dissipate heat efficiently, they can still overheat due to poor ventilation.
Poor ventilation happens when the device’s processor runs intensive tasks such as compressing an HD video or playing a heavy graphic video game. If you notice, the device’s fan operates faster to provide additional airflow. You might hear the fan noises when you are in a quiet place.
Another factor is whether you cover the cooling vents or use your MacBook on soft surfaces. Doing so can obstruct airflow and cause overheating issues. So, use your device on a hard, flat surface such as a table or desk to control its temperature.
System storage overload
As a MacBook user, you may have experienced performance issues like slower boot times, decreased system performance, or even system crashes. The issues could be due to filling up your storage capacity. Hence, keeping your device 10-20% of storage space free is recommended. You can delete unnecessary files, transfer large media files to external drives, and use Mac OS storage management tools to identify and remove clutter.
It’s a pretty straightforward solution.
However, the hard part of deleting unnecessary files or cleaning up the system is whether the files are no longer in use or have sentimental value, especially videos.
Wrong cleaning techniques
Dust and debris can build up over time in your MacBook’s vents, negatively impacting its cooling system. Not only that but a dirty screen and keyboard can also make for an unpleasant user experience. But, did you know that cleaning a MacBook needs the correct cleaning technique?
Yes, you read that correctly – MacBooks require a specific cleaning technique. Here are some tips to ensure you get the job done right:
- Use a lightly damped microfiber cloth to wipe down the device.
- Avoid getting any liquids or moisture near any openings on the device.
You should not spray water or any cleaning products like monitor cleaning spray, rubbing alcohol, or abrasive directly onto the device.
- Be extra careful when wiping around the trackpad edges, bezels, and the inside edge between the monitor.
- Do not press too hard on the LCD when cleaning it. Instead, use a small, inexpensive makeup brush in hard-to-reach areas.
Improper handling
As a MacBook user, have you considered investing in a padded case or backpack? Having a good padded carry case is very important for transporting your Macbook. But, having one as a general rule in your house or carrying it very short distances around the house is also important.
Additionally, sandwiching your Macbook with a notebook in your backpack is not a good idea. It can cause serious damage to your LCD screen as the device is pressed against other items in your bag. Hence, a padded backpack is very recommended. It has an organized compartment to store your items separately and a soft landing surface.
It will help ensure your device stays safe and protected while you move around. Not only can both the padded case and backpack prevent accidental drops, but they also protect the device from dust and temperature changes. Your MacBook is a valuable investment that deserves proper care and attention.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy a seamless computing experience with a MacBook.
Nevertheless, if your MacBook experiences technical issues like LCD screen crash, quick-battery draining, sound system problems, or others, don’t hesitate to contact us, SPR Tech!
Or you can visit our physical store nearest to your location! Here is a list of our store branches:
- Kepong (HQ)
- Uptown Damansara
- Sri Petaling
- Setapak
- Ampang
- Express Mid Valley
- Puchong Kenari
- Taman Maluri
- Cheras Taman Segar
- Kuchai Lama
- Taipan USJ
- IOI City Mall 2