iPad Battery

The iPad includes a non-removable lithium-polymer battery that provides, according to Apple, up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. (In fact, Apple claims 10 hours of video playback, surfing the Web using Wi-Fi, or listening to music are possible.)

Actual battery life depends on how you use the iPad, of course—playing a video game that makes extensive use of 3D graphics is more demanding on the processor and will eat up power faster than reading a book in iBooks. As the battery nears depletion, warning messages appear when 20 percent and 10 percent of the power remains. After that, the iPad becomes unresponsive and needs to be charged to function again.

You can take steps to make the most of the battery’s charge. You don’t need to be slavish about these, but you’ll definitely want to implement them when you get a low battery notice:

• Turn down the screen brightness.
• Turn off Wi-Fi if you’re not within range of a wireless network.
• Turn off Bluetooth if you’re not using it.
• Disable Push notifications.

To help prolong the battery’s lifespan, once a month charge the iPad to 100 percent and don’t charge it again until the battery reaches zero. Then, charge it back to 100 percent.

(Apple offers more information at www.apple.com/batteries/ipad.html.)

What if the battery dies?

Batteries lose capacity over time, but sometimes a battery won’t hold a charge for nearly as long as it once did. If the iPad is still under warranty (one year, or two years if you also purchased AppleCare for it), contact Apple and ask for a replacement. If an Apple retail store is nearby, an Apple Genius will be able to diagnose whether the battery is faulty.

If you’re out of warranty and the iPad “requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge,” in Apple’s words, then you can take advantage of Apple’s battery replacement service. For $99, Apple will replace the entire iPad (so be sure you’ve synchronized it before sending it off). See www.apple.com/support/ipad/service/ battery/ for more information.