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Thorin · Apr 21, 2005, 09:14 AM

Just seen this on the MacNN homepage, apparently OWC/Newer Technology have started selling these high capacity batteries for the 12" powerbooks:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer...y/BAP12AL4800/

What do people think? Anyone have any experience with their high capacity batteries for other powerbooks? My housemate and I are tempted to order a pair, as our batteries for our powerbooks are both in need of replacement. Any feedback would be appreciated!

AssassyN · Apr 21, 2005, 10:47 AM

I'd say go for it. I've had nothing but good times w/ MacSales...they're solid.

My normal 12" PB battery gets astounding battery life, but if it were in need of a replacement then you might as well get the high-capicity so long as it has some sort of warranty attached to it.

Thorin · Apr 21, 2005, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the tip. Will probably go for it, unless I hear any horror stories. It works out only fractionally more expensive than buying the standard batteries from Apple, due to the favourable �/$ conversion rate.

sworthy · Apr 21, 2005, 11:53 AM

At 139.99 it's exactly $10 more than Apple's price. So no matter where you live it's a good deal considering the capacity. However, even though my battery is starting to give me significantly less battery life (down to 1:35 or so), I hate the thought of spending that much on a machine that's over two years old. I'd rather sell my machine and spend a tiny bit more than the price of a battery, and be able to get a newer powerbook - maybe a rev c.

gskinner · Apr 21, 2005, 12:29 PM

costs 7% more than Apple's replacement battery
has 6% longer life in theory (53 watt hours vs 50 watt hours)

not sure that's a good deal, but if the quality is as good or better than Apple's then a little extra battery time for $10 can't hurt.

jlgrandam · Apr 21, 2005, 04:21 PM

I'd be worried about the fit and the possible wobble it could cause.

Thorin · Apr 21, 2005, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by jlgrandam

I'd be worried about the fit and the possible wobble it could cause.

I must admit that had crossed my mind too.

If I'm honest though, I very rarely use it on a hard surface without an external keyboard. If I use the built-in keyboard, then it's normally on my lap, so I could live with a slight wobble.

asodamiac · Apr 21, 2005, 05:06 PM

how much more significant is 11%.. doesnt seem like much. they tested the battery with a 867mhz powerbook? i have a 1.67. wouldnt that affect battery life as well?

kcmac · Apr 21, 2005, 09:59 PM

I was going to buy a new battery this week but my Powerbook is still not back from applecare. (Hard drive died and now they are waiting on a screen bezel part on backorder. 2 more weeks to wait!)

Can't really tell if this battery is that much better. They say 13% improvement. That could be about 20-25 minutes on a new battery don't you think? Not much but could be worth it. I am going to check into shipping and tax cost.

betasp · Apr 21, 2005, 10:11 PM

11% more battery life... thats 11 minutes more per hour. I get around 4 hours now, so I should get about 4:40 with that new one. Extras 40 minutes might be owrth a battery buy.

PS. Stats are with screen brightness on low doing daily tasks like surfing, emailing, admin-ing.

mrmister · Apr 21, 2005, 11:46 PM

Actually, 11% more is 11% of 60 per hour--or 6 minutes, 40 seconds more per hour.

kcmac · Apr 22, 2005, 12:10 AM

So on a 4 hour battery that is about 25 minutes.

driven · Apr 22, 2005, 07:00 AM

25 minutes is significant. I'd also be curious about it's performance on a 1.67 machine. I want to use it for trans-oceanic flights where I need 2-3 batteries for the crossing.

madmacgames · Apr 22, 2005, 08:28 AM

who gets 4 hours continuous use on a battery? If unplugged fully charged, it tells me I have 2.5 hours. But I am lucky to get 2 hours continuous use on battery. Most of the time only about 1.5 hours anymore. That is only about an extra 9-10 minutes.

$13.99 per minute? I don't think so... that is too high of an opportunity cost.