blob: 1d5da115f260208499f537528714ab475296a2fe (
plain)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
|
Apple recently [released a software update][3] designed to address performance issues with Macbook and Macbook Pro batteries. The battery update can be found by running Software Update or can be [downloaded directly from the Apple site][1].
Apple says the update should be run on all MacBook and MacBook Pros purchased between February 2006 and April 2007, but claims that the performance issues do not present a safety risk. "You may continue to use your current battery," says the Apple update page.
However, the page also lists some symptoms, which might necessitate the replacement of your battery. The qualifying symptoms of an affected battery are:
* Battery is not recognized causing an "X" to appear in the battery icon in the Finder menu bar.
* Battery will not charge when computer is plugged into AC power.
* Battery exhibits low charge capacity/runtime when using a fully charged battery with a battery cycle count (as shown in System Profiler) of less than 300.
* Battery pack is visibly deformed.
If you experience any of the above, it's time to head to an Apple store or authorized Apple repair center, where you can new battery, free of charge, even if your MacBook or MacBook Pro is out of warranty.
While it's nice to see Apple finally address a widespread issue, I ran across [a thread in the Apple forums][2] where some users have reported problems with the update. Given that my Macbook is my main work machine, I haven't applied the update yet. But I also haven't had any problems with the battery and I'm a firm believer in the old adage "if it ain't broke..." -- YMMV.
And there's certainly no hurry, the new battery program extends repair coverage to up to two years from the date of purchase.
[2]: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=943961&tstart=0 "Macbook Pro Battery Update 1.2 Issues"
[1]: http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/batteryupdate12.html "Macbook/Macbook Pro Battery update"
[3]: http://www.apple.com/support/macbook_macbookpro/batteryupdate/ "MacBook and MacBook Pro Battery Update"
[4]: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peem/199164333/ "Flickr: swollen macbook pro battery"
|
