Battery Capacity 87% after 51 cycles, Is this worth an Apple Store Visit?

[kny3twalker]

My AppleCare expires on Monday September 6th, and I am wondering if my 87% capacity at 51 battery cycles suggests I should visit an Apple Store this weekend? The closest store is around 25 miles away, so if I would be wasting my time, I would rather not take the trip. My concern is mostly based on my warranty ending. This is a 2009 13" MBP. Thanks

 

[kny3twalker]

I forgot to mention that I have tried calibration a few times recently. So do I have reason for concern or am I wasting Apple's and my own time?

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Lets ask Apple:

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

Battery Lifespan
For Apple notebooks with removable batteries — such as previous generation MacBook and MacBook Pro computers — a properly maintained battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 300 full charge and discharge cycles. You may choose to replace your battery when it no longer holds sufficient charge to meet your needs.

The built-in battery of the MacBook Air is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at up to 750 full charge and discharge cycles.

The built-in battery in the new 13-, 15-, and 17-inch MacBook Pro is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles.

If your notebook came with a built-in battery, you should have the battery replaced only by an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

(looks at your battery totals)
(looks at Apple's thresholds)

No, this is not worth a trip.

 

[kny3twalker]

Lets ask Apple:

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



(looks at your battery totals)
(looks at Apple's thresholds)

No, this is not worth a trip.

I understand the thresholds. Yet 51 charges is no where close to 1000, and my battery is at 87% capacity.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

I understand the thresholds. Yet 51 charges is no where close to 1000, and my battery is at 87% capacity.

//shrug

You can make an appointment if you want. I'm sure they'll take a look at it. More than likely, Their little battery program will see your battery is > 79% capacity but < 1000 cycles and send you on your way.

 

[tim100]

not the point

//shrug

You can make an appointment if you want. I'm sure they'll take a look at it. More than likely, Their little battery program will see your battery is > 79% capacity but < 1000 cycles and send you on your way.

i post a similar post about battery capacity dropping early in its life. he will reach 80% far sooner than most at this current pace. i would consider going to apple.

 

[Corrode]

Just go to Apple once your battery capacity is less than 80%. Then you have tangible evidence and won't be wasting your time.

 

[xi mezmerize ix]

Mine is at 99% after 35 cycles. Use that as a reference.

 

[GGJstudios]

My AppleCare expires on Monday September 6th, and I am wondering if my 87% capacity at 51 battery cycles suggests I should visit an Apple Store this weekend? The closest store is around 25 miles away, so if I would be wasting my time, I would rather not take the trip. My concern is mostly based on my warranty ending. This is a 2009 13" MBP. Thanks

Batteries are not covered by AppleCare, anyway. They're only replaced if defective. This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions: Apple Notebook Battery FAQ

 

[seydurin]

dont listen to those other guys. I think you definitely have a lemon there. They will give you a new battery if you take it in.

 

[GGJstudios]

dont listen to those other guys. I think you definitely have a lemon there. They will give you a new battery if you take it in.

Not if it doesn't meet the criteria for being defective.

 

[kny3twalker]

Just go to Apple once your battery capacity is less than 80%. Then you have tangible evidence and won't be wasting your time.

I thought Apple will only cover the battery while you have AppleCare.

EDIT: The technical support representative, I spoke with, told me this.

 

[GGJstudios]

I thought Apple will only cover the battery while you have AppleCare.

EDIT: The technical support representative, I spoke with, told me this.

No, read the battery faq link I posted.

 

[kny3twalker]

Batteries are not covered by AppleCare, anyway. They're only replaced if defective. This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions: Apple Notebook Battery FAQ

So after my AppleCare is expired, I may still be eligible for a replacement battery if my battery does not have 80% capacity at 1000 charge cycles?

The built-in battery in the new 13-, 15-, and 17-inch MacBook Pro is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles.

 

[GGJstudios]

So after my AppleCare is expired, I may still be eligible for a replacement battery if my battery does not have 80% capacity at 1000 charge cycles?

Correct.

 

[kny3twalker]

No, read the battery faq link I posted.

I read the FAQ and apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html, but the website uses vague terms such as UP TO.

 

[GGJstudios]

I read the FAQ and apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html, but the website uses vague terms such as UP TO.

Did you see this?

Batteries are not covered by warranty or AppleCare, except in the case of manufacturing defects.

Apple Limited Warranty:
Quote:

This warranty does not apply:
(f) to consumable parts, such as batteries, unless damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship;

AppleCare Protection Plan:
Quote:

b. Limitations. The Plan does not cover:
(ix) Consumable parts, such as batteries, except in respect of battery coverage under APP for iPod or unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials and workmanship;

 

[CalBoy]

I read the FAQ and apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html, but the website uses vague terms such as UP TO.

Usually "up to" means that if your battery has 1,000 cycles or fewer and has more than 80%, your battery isn't defective. While 87%/~50 cycles might seem alarming, you have to remember that the rate of decay isn't strictly linear.

That being said, I think if you were very polite and explained your concerns to a genius, they would probably be willing to help you if they were in the right mood. It's really hard to predict of course, because each genius has a different temperament.

I assume by your OP that you have no Applecare and that you bought this notebook on September 7th of last year. Did you buy the mbp, IN FULL, on a single credit card? If you did, you may want to look into your credit card company's extended warranty policy. My Mastercard, for instance, automatically extends any warranty for computers and phones by an extra year at no cost (it also usually doesn't require registration, just proof of purchase). I mention this because if the battery continues to worsen, and the mbp is out of warranty, you might be able to get your credit card company to cover the cost of the battery. Look into all of these factors before deciding to make the trip by the 6th.

 

[kny3twalker]

Usually "up to" means that if your battery has 1,000 cycles or fewer and has more than 80%, your battery isn't defective. While 87%/~50 cycles might seem alarming, you have to remember that the rate of decay isn't strictly linear.

That being said, I think if you were very polite and explained your concerns to a genius, they would probably be willing to help you if they were in the right mood. It's really hard to predict of course, because each genius has a different temperament.

I assume by your OP that you have no Applecare and that you bought this notebook on September 7th of last year. Did you buy the mbp, IN FULL, on a single credit card? If you did, you may want to look into your credit card company's extended warranty policy. My Mastercard, for instance, automatically extends any warranty for computers and phones by an extra year at no cost (it also usually doesn't require registration, just proof of purchase). I mention this because if the battery continues to worsen, and the mbp is out of warranty, you might be able to get your credit card company to cover the cost of the battery. Look into all of these factors before deciding to make the trip by the 6th.

It was purchased with a VISA card. I think I may just make the trip. Whether or not, the Apple Store replaces the battery, it may be worth my peace of mind, and I can hopefully get clarification about the terms of service for batteries.

GGJstudios, I did read that. Thanks

 

[CalBoy]

It was purchased with a VISA card.

If it was, I think you should definitely look up your Visa card's policy on extended warranties. At the very least, you'll have an idea of your options in case you get turned down at the Genius Bar.

I think I may just make the trip. Whether or not, the Apple Store replaces the battery, it may be worth my peace of mind, and I can hopefully get clarification about the terms of service for batteries.

I think that's probably best if you're going to feel better about the situation as a result of the trip. Be sure to make an appointment.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Or buy AppleCare . I couldn't imagine skipping that.

 

[cookieronster]

Or buy AppleCare . I couldn't imagine skipping that.

quoted for truth. buy applecare.

 

[kny3twalker]

Or buy AppleCare . I couldn't imagine skipping that.

quoted for truth. buy applecare.

I thought AppleCare did not cover batteries. There seems to be quite a bit of conflicting information. I have thought about AppleCare, but if they do not cover batteries, I doubt I will purchase it.

 

[GGJstudios]

I thought AppleCare did not cover batteries. There seems to be quite a bit of conflicting information. I have thought about AppleCare, but if they do not cover batteries, I doubt I will purchase it.

I assume by your OP that you have no Applecare

Or buy AppleCare

buy applecare.

AppleCare does NOT cover batteries! See post #17

 

[CaoCao]

even though Applecare doesn't cover batteries get it anyway (and if you are dependent on your MacBook Pro then get ProCare too)