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So they could have a bigger battery in there.

I have over 40 laptop-users under my wing. And not one of them have several batteries that they switch when one battery runs out. Not one.

And why would people want to switch batteries? Because the existing battery runs out of power, correct? But if they can put a bigger battery in there, the need to replace the battery goes down.

I bet that Apple has done extensive market-studies, and they discovered that only about 1% of laptop-users switch batteries.

They can make a bigger battery while keeping it user-removable. The two aren't mutually exclusive. I'm pretty sure Dell and HP have machines that have the ability to go up to 24hrs.
 
This is why Apple is not meant to be taken seriously by professionals. I would recommend to photographers on the move who need replaceable batteries and high performance, to look at other manufacturers.

I'm just finding it frightening to see how poorly the MBP's compare with other laptops now. For example... (I'm not suggesting this for a mobile photographer, BTW)...

Dell's XPS M1730 has (vs 17" MBP)

2.6GHz CPU (2.5GHz)
4Gb RAM (4Gb)
2x 320Gb HDD (1x 320Gb HDD)
2x 512Mb NVidia 8800M GTX graphics in SLI (1x 512Mb 8600M)
Blu-Ray/DVDRW combo (DVD combo)
NZ$4698.99 (NZ$5099)

Hmm, $400 cheaper for a machine with significantly more features. I know which one I'd buy. Of course with the Dell's specs you might only get 1 or 2 hours out of the battery, but that's not really what I'm comparing in this example. Now let me just put on my flamecoat.


Photographers are not going to begin choosing other brands over Apple unless something signoificant changes that matters to them. Not to YOU, or any other piss-ant around here, but to Photographers.
$400 is nothing to a wedding photographer to avoid having an ugly hunk of Dell displaying their photos.

Some of you have a this weird vision of photographers who use MBPs needing enless amounts of battery life. Oddly enough, I work with wedding photographers every single weekend of the year (can u guess what i do for a living), and they hardly run their laptops on the battery.........AT ALL.

They spend 90% of the day shooting, %10 sitting around uploading their photots, deleting a few, and then some put the laptop on display with the first half of the day's photos. They are then faced with the glaring decision of "to plug in, or not to plug in". Ultimately they spend about 3 seconds making this decision, and then it no longer matters.

But yeah Photographers will probably hate the new 17" MBP. Just like they have every other :rolleyes:
 
So they could have a bigger battery in there.

I have over 40 laptop-users under my wing. And not one of them have several batteries that they switch when one battery runs out. Not one.

And why would people want to switch batteries? Because the existing battery runs out of power, correct? But if they can put a bigger battery in there, the need to replace the battery goes down.

The other reason is that during the life of a laptop, the battery cannot hold all of its charge anymore. My iBook's battery dropped down to about 70% after two years, so I purchased a new battery for it. I swapped it myself. :)

Photographers are not going to begin choosing other brands over Apple unless something signoificant changes that matters to them. Not to YOU, or any other piss-ant around here, but to Photographers.
$400 is nothing to a wedding photographer to avoid having an ugly hunk of Dell displaying their photos.

Some of you have a this weird vision of photographers who use MBPs needing enless amounts of battery life. Oddly enough, I work with wedding photographers every single weekend of the year (can u guess what i do for a living), and they hardly run their laptops on the battery.........AT ALL.

Hahah, well, if only you vaguely recognised the camera models in my sig...
 
If this is the case then they should be working on making a better removable battery with better connections, not turning my professional 17" book into an Air.

They are not doing anything to your laptop. Steve Jobs is not going to sneak in to your home and replace your laptop.

They didn't replace the horse and buggy with a car with that went slower, and had NO way to put gasoline in it.

What if Apple replaces the current 17" MBP with a model that has twice (if not more) as much batter-life as the current model has?

Sorry dude, I do have an argument. There is no discussion about my argument because it makes perfect sense to everyone here.

I have never seen anyone carry extra laptop-batteries with them. Never. And if they get long battery-life from the new model, I fail to see why the battery would have to be replaceable.
 
The other reason is that during the life of a laptop, the battery cannot hold all of its charge anymore. My iBook's battery dropped down to about 70% after two years, so I purchased a new battery for it. I swapped it myself. :)

Sure, that is a valid complaint. But the replacement might be a job that can be done while the customer waits for his laptop. And in your case, the worn-out battery only became an issue after two years.
 
Sure, that is a valid complaint. But the replacement might be a job that can be done while the customer waits for his laptop. And in your case, the worn-out battery only became an issue after two years.

Yes it did last a long time, and it looks like the 3rd party replacement will last even longer.
 
This is why Apple is not meant to be taken seriously by professionals. I would recommend to photographers on the move who need replaceable batteries and high performance, to look at other manufacturers.

I'm just finding it frightening to see how poorly the MBP's compare with other laptops now. For example... (I'm not suggesting this for a mobile photographer, BTW)...

Dell's XPS M1730 has (vs 17" MBP)

2.6GHz CPU (2.5GHz)
4Gb RAM (4Gb)
2x 320Gb HDD (1x 320Gb HDD)
2x 512Mb NVidia 8800M GTX graphics in SLI (1x 512Mb 8600M)
Blu-Ray/DVDRW combo (DVD combo)
NZ$4698.99 (NZ$5099)

Hmm, $400 cheaper for a machine with significantly more features. I know which one I'd buy. Of course with the Dell's specs you might only get 1 or 2 hours out of the battery, but that's not really what I'm comparing in this example. Now let me just put on my flamecoat.
:apple:OSX? Vista is horrible they dont even compare!:apple:
 
So many people getting up in arms over a rumor. Yes, Apple has a history of integrated batteries, and so far it's been a non-issue. Apple also has a history of innovating, and it's possible, just possible, they've blown past some battery efficiency barrier that the rest of the industry is limited to. It's possible the 17" will have insane battery life using some new technology. Snow Leopard should also help to improve battery life for everyone's laptops.

what components does a 17" have that a 15" doesn't? Simple geometry suggests there ought to be room in a 17" for a battery almost twice the size--and thus twice the capacity--that can be fitted into the smaller model.

How will making the battery built in increase battery life? Can someone explain that?

(disclaimer: I am not a battery technology expert) My understanding is that the built in batteries can be molded into the frame to allow a larger volume battery than would be possible with a modular one. Example: In an irregular space like the inside of a laptop, you could fit a uniform three-dimensional piece of ice with dimensions X x Y x Z (more likely a requirement if it's replaceable); but melted you might be able to fit the equivalent of two of those pieces of ice, as the water fills nooks and crannies between structural elements. Greater volume=greater capacity.
 
I think there is a fairly obvious explanation for an internal non-removal battery of they do actually make the 17" like this.
The reason they delayed the 17" was because they couldn't make it rigid enough because it was so big. If the battery cover is not removable they can make the computer stronger, and not flex. So they make the battery non-removable and then make everyone feel good about it by extending the battery life by a few hours.

I have to say it is funny to hearing everyone who thinks this is such a horrible idea. Not only because it is just rumor but also because everyone said the same thing when they dropped FW from the MB but now everyone wants the white MB to be discontinued.
 
Non-Removable = Dumb

Considering Apple's unsuccessful batteries in the past and the need for laptops to be as versatile and wall-socket independent as possible (even to the point of being able to swap-out batteries when one dies), this is by-far the STUPIDEST idea Apple has come up with recently - except for maybe the iPod, iTouch & iPhone all having batteries which can't be changed or swapped.

Really wished Apple would reconsider that strategy.

It's stuff like this which will make Hackintosh laptops more popular and ubiquitous.
 
I think there is a fairly obvious explanation for an internal non-removal battery of they do actually make the 17" like this.
The reason they delayed the 17" was because they couldn't make it rigid enough because it was so big. If the battery cover is not removable they can make the computer stronger, and not flex. So they make the battery non-removable and then make everyone feel good about it by extending the battery life by a few hours.

The whole bottom part will be removable.

Really, do you have any idea what you are talking about? The unibody construction refers to the top part. The bottom part is just a slab and doesn't really affect the strength much.
 
They can make a bigger battery while keeping it user-removable.

Not necessarily. Making it removable increases the size (casing, connectors, latches etc. etc.). By making it non-removable, they can make it smaller (or, keep the size the same, but increase the capacity). There was also mention in this thread about new battery-tech that increases capacity but does not permit removable batteries. But I don't know about that, so I wont comment about it.

I'm pretty sure Dell and HP have machines that have the ability to go up to 24hrs.

Sure they do. But how big are they?
 
The whole bottom part will be removable.

Really, do you have any idea what you are talking about? The unibody construction refers to the top part. The bottom part is just a slab and doesn't really affect the strength much.

I do now what I am talking about. It makes sense that the upper part of the laptop which is made from a single piece of aluminum would flex when it is the size of the 17" MBP if they make the aluminum the same thickness as the current MBP's. If they increase the thickness they increase the weight, but if they use a solid bottom instead of a two piece bottom (like the 15") the computer will be stronger and probably not flex. This is just my guess, take what you will.
 
Any word on how many powering cycles this new technology can take before the battery dies? From my perspective, this is an important stat, especially if a battery is going to be sealed in a laptop.

Longer life between recharging is fine, but if the number of recharging cycles is lower, then the total life of the battery won't last much longer than what we have now.

Silver Oxide batteries dont have powering cycles or any of the other problems that litium ion batteries have, they dont get hot, they arnt dangerous, they wont set fire, theyre considerably lighter, much much lighter infact, and obdiously hold more charge.
 
I didn't read everything, but what to say that Apple won't do a fixed internal battery (non-removable) but also do a new external plug-and-charge type of battery for those that "need" to be able to use the laptop for 4+ hours without wall charging it?

I think that would make sense and is something that could be for all the laptops.
 
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8320/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/167)

Bizarre having a non-removable battery considering that it would likely be used by serious professionals who need lots of battery juice and reasonable portability.
 
I do now what I am talking about. It makes sense that the upper part of the laptop which is made from a single piece of aluminum would flex when it is the size of the 17" MBP if they make the aluminum the same thickness as the current MBP's. If they increase the thickness they increase the weight, but if they use a solid bottom instead of a two piece bottom (like the 15") the computer will be stronger and probably not flex. This is just my guess, take what you will.

a single bottom would make it flex more! a two piece creates a rigid structual point along the hairline.
 
I do now what I am talking about. It makes sense that the upper part of the laptop which is made from a single piece of aluminum would flex when it is the size of the 17" MBP if they make the aluminum the same thickness as the current MBP's. If they increase the thickness they increase the weight, but if they use a solid bottom instead of a two piece bottom (like the 15") the computer will be stronger and probably not flex. This is just my guess, take what you will.

Even with a two part bottom, it'll be stronger than the current 17". And I haven't heard any reports of that bending/snapping ;)

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8320/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/167)

Bizarre having a non-removable battery considering that it would likely be used by serious professionals who need lots of battery juice and reasonable portability.

What serious professionals need a lot of battery juice and reasonable portability have a 17" laptop?
 
Photographers are not going to begin choosing other brands over Apple unless something signoificant changes that matters to them. Not to YOU, or any other piss-ant around here, but to Photographers.

Surely you mean puissant?

:)

As it happens I've never removed a laptop battery in my life, and I'm always on the move.

I won't buy anything with a glossy screen though. Seen it, hate it.

EDIT: Actually I DID have to remove a battery. I have a DELL XPS Gen 2, the ones with the exploding batteries.

Better hope the 17" MBP doesn't have a battery recall then eh...;)
 
Not likely.

Just a quick note on this, the problem with this theory is that it kind of goes against current EU directives, namely that all electronic devices have "readily removable" batteries. The translation is the EU is going to demand that all electronic devices have batteries that are user-serviceable.

It went into effect in September. To be honest I'm more expecting to get iPods with batteries you can pull rather than another laptop with a battery you can't remove.

You can read up on it more here:
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,39499985,00.htm
 
I hope they keep the batteries user replaceable. I have a PowerBook G4 with 3 additional batteries (craigslist is a wonderful thing), all at varying levels of 'health'. In college, I'd bring at least one, if not two, with me at all times. I'd need to make it through a few 1.5 hour lectures, classes, group meetings, and then I'd go to the library and do some work, etc... At older schools/facilities, there isn't a power outlet every 20 feet, and they are hard to come by. Having several batteries saved me weekly, if not every few days.

And just this week, my dog chewed on my power cable, destroying it. :mad: So until I can afford to get it replaced, I'm living off battery life. I've gone through one already, and I have a few more. I'll definitely be able to make it through this week. Couldn't do that with a non-user replaceable battery.

And as for the iPhone? I dislike that battery too, though it's not as big of an issue. The battery in my BlackBerry Curve died earlier this year... I got a brand new, RIM battery (not 3rd party) shipped from Amazon.com for under $9. Popped it in, charged it up, and I was on my merry way.

Would longer battery life and thinner be nice? Yeah, sure. But personally, I'd still prefer the option to take it out and replace it. It'll be interesting to see how this rumor pans out.
 
I'm pretty sure Dell and HP have machines that have the ability to go up to 24hrs.

You're kidding right?

No machine out there, from any OEM, gets even gets close to 12 hours of REAL LIFE usage. No exception.

Come back when I can get a 15-17" machine from them, which I can run for 6 hours atleast in real life, not their useless lab tests which consist of the machine being idle with the screen brightness turned all the way down, wifi turned off, hd not spinning and no apps running.

By real life I mean with wifi turned on, with screen at at least 75% brightness, with programs running etc.

On my current 17" MBP I can barely get 2 hours of work done.
 
Silver Oxide batteries dont have powering cycles or any of the other problems that litium ion batteries have, they dont get hot, they arnt dangerous, they wont set fire, theyre considerably lighter, much much lighter infact, and obdiously hold more charge.

Wow that sounds really cool! I could go for a laptop with a battery like that and would be fine if the battery wasn't user serviceable. I wouldn't be in the market for a 17" laptop but that would be great in a MB or 15" MBP.
 
*
WRONG...Apple has been proving that for a while now...just look at how they changed the MP3 market, and cell phone market. I don't recall any customers screaming I want a beautiful portable mp3 player, that I can sync my music to, most were satisfied with cd players and useless mp3 players that were out, or customers screaming I want a cell phone with no buttons, just touch screen, again most were just satisfied with the crappy cell phones that were in the market...and now look at how all the competition is trying to make ipods and iphone killers...Apple makes what they believe customers should want, and customers AGREE

The difference here is that the iPod/iPhone line has always been built for practicality. Not once have Apple take away an iPod future or capability for purely aesthetic purposes. Yes, I know the 3G models have shorter battery life, but that's because of the higher power requirements of the 3G radio. In 2G mode, you get better battery life. You always get form with function. There's a lot they could do to make the iPhone smaller, but that division is looking to make the best device possible, not set a Guinness book record. That's also why Apple got their monopoly there, they earned it.

Even if you don't keep multiple batteries on hand, the life of a battery does have a limit.

Sooner or later, the battery will stop keeping a charge and need to be replaced. Having to open the case would be a pain.

There's a near term issue as well, if there's a major problem and holding down the power button doesn't work, how are you going to shut down the machine?
 
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