wow 3 years already. it's time....

hi,
I am sorry, i am new to mac as well, I have MBP 15inch and i can't seem to find the charge cycle. my battery life always show 96% eventhough i am still charging it.. Is it okay to keep charging my MBP as i always leave it at home, hence the plug is on 24/7. I do off it sometimes to drain the battery..

Hope my actions are not ruining the battery life..
another thing is, the website says battery can last up to 7hours,
yet when i bring it out, it only last about 4-5hours max.

well easily, your battery kaput
you're wasting your battery cycle

i wont recommend the way you use, i have a very good example
my dad macbook is nearly 3 years
the battery still very genki

use it as normal will plug in, even fully charge, just let it be, only be portable when you need portable, mean only use battery when away from desk. And do calibration every months, means fully drain the battery then charge back

although they are both start will "A" company
but they are really different
i'm pre-acer user as well

since 3/4 years back, apple design circuit was so intelligent, it will automatic stop the charging and allow the computer will direct power in only

we did have debate whether is was software control or hardware control

my fren told me windows vista will perform the same operation as well, i not quite sure
Sony Computers do have the features as well

My battery is currently at 64% capacity after over 3 years of use. It shall be replaced with this:

http://store.fastmac.com/product_info.php?products_id=3