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UnixMac · Aug 6, 2009, 01:07 PM

Any official word on why Apple made the 17" version of the new laptops without rapid access to the battery (with a quick release)? thanks

Simon · Aug 6, 2009, 01:51 PM

Because none of the MBPs has it.

Apple POV here is that the battery will last for as long as the notebook. IOW you don't need that rapid access to exchange a bad battery.

Now you would still need access if you were to swap batteries. But Apple has made clear they consider the extra battery life (due to the integrated design) to be of greater value than easy access (which comes at the price of lower capacity).

Spheric Harlot · Aug 6, 2009, 02:04 PM

Making the battery non-removable obviates the need for extra battery casing, release mechanism, tamper-proof case interior, etc. which, in combination with their new battery tech, allows real-time battery life of easily six hours.

The only Apple laptop remaining with a removable battery is the plastic MacBook.

UnixMac · Aug 6, 2009, 05:10 PM

Ah, ok..... I guess batt technology has gotten that good then, eh? Only 2 years ago I got a Macbook pro that was holding a 5 hour charge and now I'm lucky to get 2.5 hours.. I hope this one does better..

thanks for the info.

ps. Love all the acronyms Simon.... I assume POV is Point of view, and IOW is In other words, but what is MBPs?

0157988944 · Aug 6, 2009, 05:53 PM

MacBook Pros

mdc · Aug 8, 2009, 07:22 AM

There is a battery video on the MacBook Pro page on apple.com that explains their reasoning for making a battery that the user can't get to.

This page goes into detail about how much it'll cost and how you can go about having Apple change the battery for you when it dies.

UnixMac · Aug 8, 2009, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by mdc

There is a battery video on the MacBook Pro page on apple.com that explains their reasoning for making a battery that the user can't get to.

This page goes into detail about how much it'll cost and how you can go about having Apple change the battery for you when it dies.

I saw that, but what trouble I have with it all is battery life... A battery might be good for 1000 charges, but that 1000th charge doesn't hold as much charge as the 1st. I replaced my older MBP's battery after 1 yr cause it wouldn't hold more than 3.5 hours from 5 when new. BUT, I suppose this battery is still changeable, just not as conveniently.

RevEvs · Aug 8, 2009, 02:02 PM

Its not difficult to change, just involves 4 screws.Apple that after 1000 cycles your battery should hold 80% of the original charge - so tat isnt too bad!!

Apple - MacBook Pro - Learn all about the breakthrough battery

MacBook Pro can go through up to 1000 recharges before it reaches 80 percent of its original capacity

Simon · Aug 9, 2009, 02:06 AM

Originally Posted by UnixMac

I replaced my older MBP's battery after 1 yr cause it wouldn't hold more than 3.5 hours from 5 when new. BUT, I suppose this battery is still changeable, just not as conveniently.

I still don't see the problem. You replaced that battery after one year. Now you'll replace if after 3 years. If after three years of use those few screws are the only problem you'll have run into, you're a very happy customer.

UnixMac · Aug 9, 2009, 02:22 AM

Originally Posted by Simon

I still don't see the problem. You replaced that battery after one year. Now you'll replace if after 3 years. If after three years of use those few screws are the only problem you'll have run into, you're a very happy customer.

yeah, assuming a linear correlation between this battery and the other, you're correct, I never thought of it that way... that's a good way to think of it. The only thing one has to hope is that the cost of a new battery will not be high. A 3 year old MBP goes for around $1000 with a decent battery... if they want $500 for a new one, that will kill resale. I just sold two 2.5-3 year old MBP's both with newer batteries and that is a factor.

Simon · Aug 9, 2009, 02:33 AM

What are you talking about? Apple charges the same $129 ($179 for the 17") for the new battery they used to charge for the old battery. Only that this price actually includes their tech doing the replacement for you.

http://www.apple.com/support/macbook...rvice/battery/

UnixMac · Aug 9, 2009, 02:36 AM

Originally Posted by Simon

What are you talking about? Apple charges the same $129 ($179 for the 17") for the new battery they used to charge for the old battery. Only that this price actually includes their tech doing the replacement for you.

http://www.apple.com/support/macbook...rvice/battery/

I was not sure what they charge... chill dude. Ok glad to hear it.. subject closed.

OreoCookie · Aug 9, 2009, 03:11 AM

The new ProBook last considerably longer than their predecessors. My office mate got a 13" ProBook and after 5 hours of work, he still had about 20 % charge left. Which means, I could work a whole train ride (I'm returning from Prag today) instead of half a train ride! :wow: