A Sad Mac Fanboy

Ziltoid · #1 02-09-2013, 02:21 PM

Hi, I am Ziltoid and I am an apple fanboy.

It's been many years since I've used apple products for the first time and I am still using.

But today I am sad. And no, it's not because I do not own the latest product, it's because my MBP is giving me issues for the first time.

I have no idea why I got that message and it seems there's not any way to diagnose this yourself. Looks like I'll have to take a trip to the genius bar (for the first time)...

My battery report seems ok tho:

WashburnBasser · #2 02-09-2013, 02:33 PM

42 months is a long time for a laptop battery. It probably needs replacing.

Ziltoid · #3 02-09-2013, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WashburnBasser

42 months is a long time for a laptop battery. It probably needs replacing.

Yeah, it's probably just that. But still, my report is ok, 67% of the original battery left in mAh and my battery still lasts long even if it's not as long as it used to so it's a bummer to get that message.

WashburnBasser · #4 02-09-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziltoid

Yeah, it's probably just that. But still, my report is ok, 67% of the original battery left in mAh and my battery still lasts long even if it's not as long as it used to so it's a bummer to get that message.

It's also possible that the software is programmed to tell you to get service after x time or y degradation in battery performance. If you haven't really had any other issues than I would just ignore it.

Ziltoid · #5 02-09-2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WashburnBasser

It's also possible that the software is programmed to tell you to get service after x time or y degradation in battery performance. If you haven't really had any other issues than I would just ignore it.

The diag at the genius bar is free, I'll get it checked out as I can't be without my laptop for more than a few hours these days. Better safe than sorry.

Strat-Mangler · #6 02-09-2013, 02:44 PM

Get a PC.

bongomania · #7 02-09-2013, 02:46 PM

LOL yeah PC's never have battery problems.

fdeck · #8 02-09-2013, 03:28 PM

I can't make out what those dialogs are telling you. Does it say that there is a problem with the battery?

Ziltoid · #9 02-09-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

I can't make out what those dialogs are telling you. Does it say that there is a problem with the battery?

It's vague.

Basically the "service battery" means: "Yo, there's something wrong with your battery, you may not notice it and it will not harm your computer, but just trust us and bring it in".

fdeck · #10 02-09-2013, 04:15 PM

I wonder if the battery contacts just need cleaning, given their age. You could just take a look at them and see if they are still shiny. If not, a pencil eraser is gentle way to clean contacts.

NYCbassist · #11 02-09-2013, 04:21 PM

It's just a bad battery. It's probably not user replicable? Probably has to go in for replacement. No big deal but costs a bit.

Ziltoid · #12 02-09-2013, 04:28 PM

That's my guess too. I hope it doesn't cost too much to get it replaced and doesn't take much time. This is my primary work tool. And I'm not sure I'll get the battery replaced if the whole things costs over 200$, this is a 3.5 years old laptop...

Anyways, I'll hit the apple store tomorrow.

NYCbassist · #13 02-09-2013, 04:36 PM

This page should help you. I think $ 129 for the Battery itself but it depends on the model etc...

BTW, You can use it worry free plugged in for a long time.

http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html

Ziltoid · #14 02-09-2013, 04:39 PM

Actually this page is better:
http://support.apple.com/kb/index?pa...t=Macnotebooks

139$ pre taxes. And for the time it's supposed to take they just say "We don't know, it depends"

Stilettoprefer · #15 02-09-2013, 05:58 PM

Changing the battery in my MacBook is really easy. Just use a coin to turn the lock on it and let it drop out of the computer.

fdeck · #16 02-09-2013, 09:15 PM

Do you actually transport the computer? If you're using it as a desktop replacement, you could just run it without the battery installed. Of course the battery serves as a backup in case you have a power failure.

Lithium cells have some odd quirks, and there is a lot of smarts built into the battery to make them safe, so it might be that the computer is looking at a variety of built in sensor readings, and smells trouble. Last thing you want is for your computer to go Dreamliner on you.

Ziltoid · #17 02-09-2013, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

Do you actually transport the computer? If you're using it as a desktop replacement, you could just run it without the battery installed. Of course the battery serves as a backup in case you have a power failure.

Lithium cells have some odd quirks, and there is a lot of smarts built into the battery to make them safe, so it might be that the computer is looking at a variety of built in sensor readings, and smells trouble. Last thing you want is for your computer to go Dreamliner on you.

Definitely not a desktop replacement. I'm a college student and a part time research assistant, I'm always on my laptop and not always at home.

I'll get it checked out tomorrow or Monday at worst.

Strat-Mangler · #18 02-09-2013, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

LOL yeah PC's never have battery problems.

Depends which ones.

My comment was tongue-in-cheek as Mac fanboys have no problems butting into threads that don't concern them and spewing their nonsense.

Replacement PC laptop batteries tend to cost less than, well, anything Apple-made.

For the record, I'm no PC fanboy. Hope the OP gets his problem fixed.

fdeck · #19 02-09-2013, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziltoid

Definitely not a desktop replacement. I'm a college student and a part time research assistant, I'm always on my laptop and not always at home.

I'll get it checked out tomorrow or Monday at worst.

That's cool. I was asking because, in fact, my "business" computer is a notebook that lives permanently in my basement. It replaced an older notebook that had a long-dead battery.

ErebusBass · #20 02-09-2013, 10:23 PM

If your error message said that you may or may not notice a problem, and your computer will not be hurt, why would you spend your time/money to get it checked if you don't notice a problem?

If you don't notice a problem/shortage in battery life, apple probably just wants more of your money. If you do notice a problem, get it checked out. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.