I checked system stats before (and after) doing firmware update...
Mine is also a "late 2011 model" - fully charged with AC power attached, 6102 mAh capacity, ***cycle count = 1313*** & health condition is normal.
Also - I've had "Automatic Graphics Switching" disabled since I bought the MBP in late 2011 (bought brand new, first owner, not a refurb). So, the Mac consistently uses high-performance graphics... maybe this accounts for the minor wear/tear on the battery (??).
Yes, I use the MBP for work and I'm the only user - but I also use my iPad (of the 3rd kind, first owner & the Pad is probably the most-utilized device, but maybe not for extended time periods like the MBP) & I use my iPhone 4S (refurb & still works with absolutely no kinks, no new battery, etc., won't give it up even after buying & setting-up husband's "5"). During a usual work-day, I'm on a device approximately 15-20hrs per day, and I work about 60-70hrs per week 4 1/2 - 5 days per week, with maybe a full week away from whichever device, if left at home during travel or other circumstances - easier to "drag along" an iPad than. MBP).
I figured some of that info may be important to anyone calculating battery life, etc.
Curiosity - do those who feel 1000 is a high cycle count, understand that anytime the AC power cord is attached (for any length of time) when the battery is below 50%, a cycle is used/counted? This is probably useful info for folks who may not think that accidentally disconnecting the AC cord during the charge cycle (under 50%) does count as a full cycle. It counts. And the cords tend to disconnect easily (a feature I especially LIKE) ... and for folks constantly on-the-go with need of this much power/resource, it's hardly possible to methodically & systematically charge in any form or fashion. I'm lucky to get 50% during any ONE sit-down in my day - I do admit that it's the nature of my job and I like that the Mac keeps up with me. I don't usually give thought to charging the battery unless I'm traveling. I connect when I think about it (rare) or when the machine tells me it's low.
For some reason, I wasn't surprised to see **1313** as my cycle count & have no issues with the battery or power, in general. It's an almost 2-year-old battery, I'm happy with the life it has left, the count is probably correct & I took into consideration the fact that I have a Mac, it looks WAYYYYYY better than any MS laptop (or desktop!) for sale (even 2 years later), so I expect I'll need a new battery before I need a new machine.
It stands to reason that expensive items that require batteries, will have *relatively expensive* batteries. I don't want knock-off parts pushing power through my $1500 Mac. I'd rather pay for the battery than a new MacBook.
Just my thoughts & I do respect others' thoughts & opinions. Sometimes it comes down to pennies when needing critical parts like as a new laptop battery - and sometimes pennies are all that's available to spend, especially in this economy.
Update completed without hassle, no errors, typical auto-reboot.
Same system stats after update (the usual changes, such as Firmware Version).
Hope this was informative, if nothing else.
AND, thanks for sharing - your question piqued my curiosity and I wondered if it would remain the same, as well, after reading your question. Glad I didnt find the time to peruse news, do updates, etc. until this evening. Great experiment!
I wonder (now) if anyone else will add their results to your thread...
jlt