For those of you looking forward to the Mac OS X 10.5.3 update, a new option in the works should make things that much better.

According to AppleInsider, the operating system update will allow Time Machine users to perform backups while on battery power. Developers testing pre-release builds of the update have mentioned a new Time Machine option that will keep the backup program functioning even on laptops running off battery power.

As both a safety precaution and power conservation measure, the existing version of Time Machine suspends scheduled backups when a Mac notebook's power cord is disconnected, then resumes them once the cord is plugged back in.

The option, noticed in build 9D29, which was released privately on Thursday, is said to be disabled by default. The toggle checkbox is accessible by selecting the "Options" button in the Time Machine system preferences.

If you've seen the option in a 10.5.3 build and can offer any insight on this, let us know over in the comments or forums.