Replace MacBook Air battery -v- Replace Computer
#16
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,266
I JUST replaced my 11" MBA battery last week - I was going to replace the whole laptop but was completely underwhelmed when Apple unveiled the new Macbook "Pro's" (yes, the quotes are intentional.)
I bought a new battery from OWC and had the thing switched out in less than five minutes. It's ridiculously easy to do yourself.
I bought a new battery from OWC and had the thing switched out in less than five minutes. It's ridiculously easy to do yourself.
#18
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,622
I've replaced my MBP's battery twice now. No love from Apple regarding free battery replacements, so I did them all myself. Took far longer than it should have, being used to swap batteries on the fly with our Thinkpads, but passable.
The new MBP offerings are pathetic, and unfortunately I've maxed out this mid 2009 MBP as far as it can go and it's still struggling. Probably replacing it with a Thinkpad early next year. :/
The new MBP offerings are pathetic, and unfortunately I've maxed out this mid 2009 MBP as far as it can go and it's still struggling. Probably replacing it with a Thinkpad early next year. :/
#19
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,640
I've done the same with my 2009 MBP. I'm not sure what's causing the CPU spikes, but it's starting to get irritating. I've maxed it out with 16gb of RAM and have two SSDs in this thing. The processor is probably the bottleneck.
#20
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
Well I finally replaced my battery.
About a month ago, took the computer to the Apple store. Signed up for a Genius Bar appointment, was all set to go. The guy did diagnostics on my machine and everything (except the battery) looks great. He did note a few nicks on the outside here/there. Battery level was I think 40% or so.
Then he says to me, "Because your computer is so old, we don't carry that battery anymore."
He did seem extremely interested in the computer and commented how they are in high demand. "If you ever want to get rid of it, you can get about $800 for it." He thought that was about what I paid, but that was closer to $1500. Since it is lightweight and has full USB ports (and Firewire) people like this model.
He gave me information for a local shop that works on Macs.
I was a bit frustrated that I wasted my time to go through all of that, pretty much for nothing.
Didn't think much of it, and didn't do anything. Then last week the fan on my computer started running almost all the time. Just wouldn't shut off unless I powered off the computer.
So I ordered a battery from Amazon on Wednesday. $59, with free 2-day shipping with Prime. Battery arrived yesterday and had it in my machine in about 10 minutes. It came with 2 screwdrivers that you use to open up the computer, take out old, put in new, and close it up. Was so easy, don't know why I didn't do it sooner.
About a month ago, took the computer to the Apple store. Signed up for a Genius Bar appointment, was all set to go. The guy did diagnostics on my machine and everything (except the battery) looks great. He did note a few nicks on the outside here/there. Battery level was I think 40% or so.
Then he says to me, "Because your computer is so old, we don't carry that battery anymore."
He did seem extremely interested in the computer and commented how they are in high demand. "If you ever want to get rid of it, you can get about $800 for it." He thought that was about what I paid, but that was closer to $1500. Since it is lightweight and has full USB ports (and Firewire) people like this model.
He gave me information for a local shop that works on Macs.
I was a bit frustrated that I wasted my time to go through all of that, pretty much for nothing.
Didn't think much of it, and didn't do anything. Then last week the fan on my computer started running almost all the time. Just wouldn't shut off unless I powered off the computer.
So I ordered a battery from Amazon on Wednesday. $59, with free 2-day shipping with Prime. Battery arrived yesterday and had it in my machine in about 10 minutes. It came with 2 screwdrivers that you use to open up the computer, take out old, put in new, and close it up. Was so easy, don't know why I didn't do it sooner.
#21
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: LH SEN; BA Gold
Posts: 8,405
As the body was heavily deformed by the battery and there was substantial exterior to the tech located around the battery (particularly the trackpad) a repair would've likely been more expensive than simply replacing it. Took the HDD out and dropped of the rest at a recycling center.
#22
Join Date: May 2006
Location: YYZ
Posts: 731
Heard that one in July when I brought in a 2010 MBP with a bloated battery. Straight away, the guy told me that it was a vintage model and that they probably wouldn't have the parts anymore.
As the body was heavily deformed by the battery and there was substantial exterior to the tech located around the battery (particularly the trackpad) a repair would've likely been more expensive than simply replacing it. Took the HDD out and dropped of the rest at a recycling center.
As the body was heavily deformed by the battery and there was substantial exterior to the tech located around the battery (particularly the trackpad) a repair would've likely been more expensive than simply replacing it. Took the HDD out and dropped of the rest at a recycling center.
Ordered a new battery off Amazon for maybe ~50 and replaced it in 5 minutes. Promptly sold the machine with a "brand new battery".
To the above poster and any others in a similar position, just dispose of the battery, connect to a monitor and kb/mouse, and you have a functional desktop computer.
#23
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
#24
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,640
Some electronics stores such as Best Buy and maybe some office supply stores that deal with electronics like Staples will have recycling bins at the door for free battery recycling.
#26
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: KSUX
Posts: 906
I may replace the battery in my early 2011 MBP again because aside from not having a retina display it still does everything I want it to do and. My only complaint is it it a lot heavier than the current 15" models but since I don't travel much anymore except for a couple leisure trips a year I can deal with that for now.
As for recycling the old battery you may be able to drop it at the Apple Store or somewhere like Batteries Plus for recycling.
As for recycling the old battery you may be able to drop it at the Apple Store or somewhere like Batteries Plus for recycling.
#27
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Caracas
Programs: Former AA PLT/GLD, A3 *G, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,144
I may replace the battery in my early 2011 MBP again because aside from not having a retina display it still does everything I want it to do and. My only complaint is it it a lot heavier than the current 15" models but since I don't travel much anymore except for a couple leisure trips a year I can deal with that for now.
As for recycling the old battery you may be able to drop it at the Apple Store or somewhere like Batteries Plus for recycling.
As for recycling the old battery you may be able to drop it at the Apple Store or somewhere like Batteries Plus for recycling.
I have a 2012 11" MBA with 50% of the battery capacity. It has 2,149 Cycles and i still works perfectly fine. I use my computer too much so will buy a 2017 15" top of the line this year. What a change!
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,106
Aside from the battery, upgrading from HDD to SDD gives a new leason on life to older Macs.
I was about to throw away a 2008 or 2009 (?) MBP as totally useless, but instead I threw 100 bucks or so at it - superdrive came out into an external casing, the HDD went to its place as a large(ish) capacity data drive and a brand new 128GB SDD went in as primary drive. In the process it was "hoovered"from the amazing amount of dust that collected inside and the heat pastes were also renewed.
It was like magic afterwards - a fast, modern machine instead of the old clanker. Obviously the CPU remained the same (so no heavy video editing - but I don't do that anyway) and didn't upgrade the RAM either, but again, even if it's swapping (hardly ever) it swaps to the fast SDD.
With this done, the need to lug the main laptop to the holiday home also went away.
I was about to throw away a 2008 or 2009 (?) MBP as totally useless, but instead I threw 100 bucks or so at it - superdrive came out into an external casing, the HDD went to its place as a large(ish) capacity data drive and a brand new 128GB SDD went in as primary drive. In the process it was "hoovered"from the amazing amount of dust that collected inside and the heat pastes were also renewed.
It was like magic afterwards - a fast, modern machine instead of the old clanker. Obviously the CPU remained the same (so no heavy video editing - but I don't do that anyway) and didn't upgrade the RAM either, but again, even if it's swapping (hardly ever) it swaps to the fast SDD.
With this done, the need to lug the main laptop to the holiday home also went away.
#29
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: KSUX
Posts: 906
That is so heavy! I say if you can try to go with a 13" MBP new model. Probably the entry touchbar with the better processor. They will be smaller than your 15" so more portable, weigh less and be able to do some work. 2011 is a bit too old.
I have a 2012 11" MBA with 50% of the battery capacity. It has 2,149 Cycles and i still works perfectly fine. I use my computer too much so will buy a 2017 15" top of the line this year. What a change!
I have a 2012 11" MBA with 50% of the battery capacity. It has 2,149 Cycles and i still works perfectly fine. I use my computer too much so will buy a 2017 15" top of the line this year. What a change!
While I really like the 15" screens with a retina display I may be able to get by with a 13" MBP or even one of the new MacBooks. Have to take a closer look at them when I'm finally ready to buy.
#30
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Caracas
Programs: Former AA PLT/GLD, A3 *G, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,144
You're right it is really heavy at times. I normally carry it and my other small electronics in a backpack when I travel but this past trip I took a lot more camera gear with me to the Grand Canyon and had to use my small duffle bag as my carry on instead. That sucker was heavy! I usually buy Apple factory refurbs to save a couple hundred bucks but getting a new machine just instant in the budget this year.
While I really like the 15" screens with a retina display I may be able to get by with a 13" MBP or even one of the new MacBooks. Have to take a closer look at them when I'm finally ready to buy.
While I really like the 15" screens with a retina display I may be able to get by with a 13" MBP or even one of the new MacBooks. Have to take a closer look at them when I'm finally ready to buy.
I suspect the price will be even cheaper than a refurb, so that would be even better. Getting a non refurb even cheaper than the refurb Apple's offering. And yep! I recommend you a lot to see them side by side at the store that way you can be sure of what size will fit your needs. It's all about of being comfortable!