MacFixIt: iPod losing charge if connected to a sleeping Mac

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MacFixIt: iPod losing charge if connected to a sleeping Mac

“A MacFixIt reader recently sent us a very thorough report on an issue that has occurred across several different iPods and a number of long conversations with AppleCare support representatives. The overall conclusion is that leaving an iPod in its dock (or, presumably, connected directly to a Mac via the dock/FireWire cable) while the Mac is asleep can drain the iPod’s battery. Below are a few key excerpts from this reader report:”

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Comments

1

This is an issue that has been known and is the apple documents FAQs.

Question 22: Can iPod charge while my computer is asleep?
Answer: Generally, no. You can purchase a self-powered FireWire hub, which will allow you to charge iPod and transfer music from your computer all the time, even when it’s asleep. You can also use the FireWire cable with the included power adapter to charge iPod from any standard electrical outlet.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920#faq22

Stuart

Posted by Stu on February 19, 2004 at 9:59 AM (PST)

2

Actually this is a separate thing—a bug Apple is working on: in this instance the iPod didn’t merely lose minor charge from “sitting there,” it actually drained overnight. In other words, the iPod should have been preserving charge while asleep, and it wasn’t. A Firewire issue.

Workaround: take it out of the dock at night.

Posted by Nagromme on February 19, 2004 at 1:09 PM (PST)

3

Okay. I see what you are saying now, they are in essence two separate issues that the iPod should not be drained of power.

This however is still not a new issue as many people have found that their iPods drain in this manner when attached to a sleeping computer. There were posts on this draining phenomenon here on the lounge.

Posted by studogvetmed in Loveland, CO on February 19, 2004 at 1:27 PM (PST)

4

Yup, the same thing happens on PC.
1. Have iPod connected to computer
2. Shut down, Suspend or Hibernate computer
3. iPod still shows “Do not disconnect”
4. It doesn’t take many hours to drain the battery completely empty

Posted by Jussi on February 20, 2004 at 12:35 AM (PST)

5

I’ve had this same issue, but the workaround is not too difficult and seems pretty sensible. Note: I don’t have the dock, just the firewire cable.

1. Connect the iPod with iTunes running.
2. Let iTunes update the iPod (iPod shows “Do Not Disconnect.”).
3. After the update, “eject” the iPod using the button in the lower right of iTunes (iPod no longer shows “Do Not Disconnect.”).
4. Shut down iTunes.
5. Put the iBook to sleep.
6. iPod continues to charge overnight.

I thought this was a known issue, that if you keep the iPod connected and mounted, then of course the iBook is going to keep spinning the iPod’s HD, thus draining down the battery.

Posted by Thomas on February 20, 2004 at 3:17 AM (PST)

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