[redhot_nyc]

My MacBook's battery dies with 20 minutes remaining on the charge indicator. It just DIES without warning, no sleep.

I've got a 1st Generation (Core Duo) MacBook. I've "calibrated" it several times over the past year, and I installed the battery update the day it came out.

I've still got Applecare, I hope it's covered?

[Simon]

It will be covered. Use System Profiler to check what your full charge capacity in mAh and your cycle count is. Tell your story to an Apple rep and give them those numbers. They'll send you a new battery for free.

Just FYI a new MB battery has a capacity of roughly 5.1Ah.

[analogika]

All MacBook batteries that came with MacBooks previous to the current (Nov. 07) revision are covered for two years from date of purchase under an Apple replacement program, regardless of whether you have AppleCare or not.

[redhot_nyc]

Didn't know about batteries being covered regardless of Applecare, for 1st and 2nd Generation (i.e. with GMA 950) ?

Battery Installed: Yes
First low level warning: No
Full Charge Capacity (mAh): 4147
Remaining Capacity (mAh): 3989
Amperage (mA): -1970
Voltage (mV): 11936
Cycle Count: 130

[analogika]

The GMA 950 are first (May '06), second (Nov. '06) and third-generation (May '07).

Posted this in here once or twice (in fact, a search for MacBook battery will probably turn up a handful of threads) :

Apple - Support - Battery Exchange + Repair Extension Programs