They're older but I wouldn't call the pieces of crap. They are still very capable of doing many things very well.
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Macbook Swollen Battery: Help with Apple Defects
- Thread starter thelawnetwork
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They're older but I wouldn't call the pieces of crap. They are still very capable of doing many things very well.
Same experience. This was the beginning of the end of my Macbook too. Perhaps not a coincidence. Everything worked beautifully on the Macbook for several weeks. I upgraded to Mavericks because I had no choice - Apple would not allow you to upload apps to the App Store without a certain OS version. Immediately after the upgrade the battery level would drain quickly. I went to the Apple forum and was dismayed to discover that there were literally dozens of long threads, including a very long one of people complaining about the same issue. Apple never could figure out how to fix it. That's the reason I decided to shelf the unit and use it only sparingly. Put it on the shelf for a few months and figured it would come out for testing some websites for Apple compatibility and update the app. Couldn't believe that the battery just burst open the bottom of the unit, screws popped out, trackpad bent and pushed out much the same as yours.
The recommended storage temperature for most batteries is 15°C (59°F); the extreme allowable temperature is –40°C to 50°C (–40°C to 122°F) for most chemistries. While lead acid must always be kept at full-charge during storage, nickel- and lithium-based chemistries should be stored at around a 40 percent state-of-charge (SoC). This minimizes age-related capacity loss while keeping the battery operational and allowing for some self-discharge.Please... will one of you guys educate us all on how to properly store a laptop? We need to know. Are some laptops allergic to a Case Logic neoprene sleeve? Should we change the room temperature from 68-74F to something hotter like 80F since Apple Macbooks prefer a more "marine" environment? Or should we put it in the refrigerator so that they don't bust through the case?
The Macbook I bought was in superb condition with only 200-300 cycles. Even though Apple rates my Macbook model at 1,000 cycles and it was working stellar for a while before being placed stored (with several other older PC laptops), it's possible that the senior citizen who had it before me could have performed all sorts of magical voodoo. Perhaps @JackieInCo may have verbally abused the Macbook that it would appear was bought directly from Apple. And the thousands of other Macbook owners too who bought their devices directly from Apple.
Please. One of you wise men.... educate us on how to properly store a laptop. LOL.
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_store_batteries
Reading comprehension is key here. If you hadn't taken liberties to what it was saying, perhaps this entire disagreement could have been avoided. This article, like the others, has to do with maintaining capacity and state of charge of batteries. It doesn't say that you MUST store batteries and Macbooks, laptops and other devices at this temperature to avoid them expanding and bursting like my Macbook and countless others.
Looked at the temperature of the room here - it's actually 65F. In wintertime conditions, I'm guessing the room was actually 63-72F temperature. Considering that the optimal temperature listed was 59F for long term storage, a 4-10F degree variance in a positive direction would almost certainly be considered expected temperature by manufacturers and WELL WITHIN the acceptable and expected tolerance limits. So, do you have a temperature controlled device which maintains the temperature of your laptop at exactly 59F, even when OFF? We know the answer. But again, the issue is whether it's normal for laptop batteries to expand and burst through cases, which happened much more frequently with Apple Macbooks than other devices, even using and storing them at most common room temperature. It's a design defect. Accept it. Now let's move on.
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Correct temp and charge levels are key. Seriously just forget the advice. I'm leaving you to argue with yourself.
So what you're telling us is that you don't store your Apple equipment at 64-68F at room temperature. You've got a special cooling device to keep your laptop cooled at exactly 59F to prevent your Apple Macbook battery from swelling, bulging and exploding. LOL. You make even the most ardent Apple apologists look tame trying so hard to blame everyone else but Apple. OK, you win. Apple is perfect. They never make mistakes. The people in this thread whose Macbook laptop batteries swelled were due to not having a cryogenic freezing device were also uninformed about the 59F rule that every Apple Macbook owner should know. Thanks.
The Macbook I bought was in superb condition with only 200-300 cycles. Even though Apple rates my Macbook model at 1,000 cycles and it was working stellar for a while before being placed stored (with several other older PC laptops), it's possible that the senior citizen who had it before me could have performed all sorts of magical voodoo.
Please. One of you wise men.... educate us on how to properly store a laptop. LOL.
This sounds more and more like a fable with every post. Tell us all how you estimate the number of charge cycles? And it was working stellar and was only driven to church by a little old lady. And its only 5 years old. And stored unexamined for years. Or maybe it doesn't exist at all.
And surprise - it was stored perfectly! Climate controlled, no less, for years however.
How many tens of thousands of "five year old" laptops does the IT manager of the huge international bank maintain with no battery issues?
And all you want is a battery replacement... not believable, especially since the computer works fine without a battery and the original chapter of this changing story is that you just want to upload a few files.
I had a white MB with a swelling battery but caught it early enough that only the bottom was warped to where it would wobble and not sit flat. It was out of warranty by that point and we just replaced it with an aftermarket battery that had a larger capacity and worked just as well.
Pretty sure you're screwed on this one OP.
Pretty sure you're screwed on this one OP.
I've had a MacBook Air battery swell 4 months out of warranty because I used and abused my machine. Apple replaced the bottom case and battery as a good will gesture. I fully expected to pay for the repair. I had a Samsung battery swell on my work machine which was 3 months old and they tipped me over it. So yes I'd say Apple deal with things better.
With that said I'm also very aware of how to store batteries in the correct manner and do so with other devices.
What your issue is and you fail to understand is storage of a battery in the correct manner is detrimental to wether it will swell or not. Your battery was old, you don't know wether the last person used the battery in an optimal way and are blinded by the fact that it's apples fault.
I posted a link in this thread to the official Apple website as to the estimate cycles for this battery and it also explains how to get cycle charges. As far as the rest goes, I'll ignore the made up facts - and if you don't believe it exists I'll sell it to you for only $200. I'll even pay for the shipping. <ignore>
So now it comes out... you too experienced the Macbook battery swell just 4 MONTHS after warranty (1 year, 4 months - corrected). How exactly did you "abuse" the battery so that it was your fault, not Apple's? Even stranger, in spite of the fact that you are so knowledgeable, you seem to have mistreated yet another laptop that lasted only 3 months. But in that instance, even though one would clearly assume that the person with a record for significant abuse was at fault, you seem disappointed that Samsung decided not to honor whatever it was you were presenting to them as something they should cover. LOL. One can only imagine what that device looked like. Do you expect any of us to take these stories to try to zealously defend Apple seriously?
Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm sorry that you too experienced the same Macbook battery swell. I'm glad that at least you could save the device from being damaged by the battery. Unfortunately I've discovered this is a serious defect which, if acknowledged as a defect, would have helped many Apple customers. It's far beyond a technical warranty issue but about standing behind your products to help your customers. Not hopeful but have to discuss it with them and take my shot. Will let you know how it goes.
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1, my MacBook Air had apple care so your figures are way off, the device was immaculate as I look after my devices. The battery had spent it's life being charged and drained fully at least twice a day five days a week. That isn't good for lithium ion technology.
2, the Samsung laptop was brand new. It was used as a work laptop not abused, it was on charge when needed and off when traveling. Samsung wasn't interested
Assuming I abuse a device is as dumbfounded as your twisted view on reality.
Reality is watching you admit - in writing - that you abused your device / Macbook. And then in the next post, telling everyone that a twisted view of reality is to assume you abuse your device. Dumbfounded is a great word. It's also hilarious.
PS - You also said "out of warranty." If you want to make up a story to defend Apple from what virtually everyone here knows is Macbook battery defect, you really need to spend time in getting the script consistent. Dumbfounded is really a great word for it. Whatever. Keep telling yourself that it's not a defect if it makes you happy.
How old are you?
Apple care extends your warranty (that's just an FYI as your struggling with basics)
Using and abusing a machine dosnt mean neglecting a machine, very different in my books.
We are done.
AppleCare is extended coverage. It is not the limited warranty period that comes with your device. Unfortunately you haven't learned the basics nor appreciate why terminology can be important. It's evident in your reply below, LOL.
Could this get funnier? I quoted you saying "abuse" and even provided your own quote. But don't let that stop you from making up fiction (again) stating that I accused you of "neglecting" your Macbook (as if that makes any practical difference from abuse.) LOL!!!
Don't worry. You have valiantly defended the Apple brand, the Apple reputation, and did an extraordinary job trying to subtly change plain facts all can see. Just click your heels three times and say "there is no Apple Macbook swollen battery problem" and it will all go away.
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THE RESULT:
I went into the Apple Store and took the device to the Genius Bar. The person checking people in asked me about the problem. I just said that I had a problem with the Macbook battery - and he immediately said "swollen battery" and was entering the data. I didn't even provide a hint as to what the problem was. He just had my name pulled up on the screen at that time with nothing else.
They looked at my Macbook and first response was as above - it's a lithium ion battery, they are prone to dying after 5 years and swelling, etc. I mentioned that while I could understand a battery dying, I couldn't imagine it swelling like this. After a moment away, he returned to concede that the battery swell was so pronounced (breaking through the bottom of the case and into the trackpad as others reported) that they would be willing to replace the trackpad for free. (Replacing just the trackpad costs around $90 + tax.) This Macbook swollen battery issue was clearly something that they knew about. However since it is within the time limits of the battery dying, they won't pay to replace the battery - even though it renders the entire device useless. Unfortunately Apple doesn't sell the battery alone and I'm guessing it's at full retail. The cost is over $140.
I would have been glad to continue to use this Macbook plugged in as I had always done, even though the battery only kept a charge of 1-2 hours despite a low cycle count. But the swollen battery broke through and destroyed the unit. After discussion with him, and fortunately he was quite realistic and with it, he mentioned that it may be best to just go to ebay and try to find any replacement battery available (non-swollen of course.)
Unfortunately it doesn't pay to spend over $140 just to have Apple replace the battery, even with the trackpad replacement at no cost. Haven't yet figured out what to do, e.g. sell this device for the mint condition screen and keyboard on ebay. I've also learned that buying used Apple equipment appears to be a high risk investment. I may find someone with a Mac and test our apps, sites and offerings but will have to think about a long term solution. With Windows and Android you can get a pretty good new low cost device for $200-300 and it's all good. But Apple's lowest price laptop comes in at $1300 +tax for the lowest entry level (around $1430) and that's a lot of money for an occasionally used device. Will figure it out. Thanks for the help from all of you. At least it will get us a replacement trackpad for the device if we actually decide to fix it with another battery that will probably swell in a year or two.
I went into the Apple Store and took the device to the Genius Bar. The person checking people in asked me about the problem. I just said that I had a problem with the Macbook battery - and he immediately said "swollen battery" and was entering the data. I didn't even provide a hint as to what the problem was. He just had my name pulled up on the screen at that time with nothing else.
They looked at my Macbook and first response was as above - it's a lithium ion battery, they are prone to dying after 5 years and swelling, etc. I mentioned that while I could understand a battery dying, I couldn't imagine it swelling like this. After a moment away, he returned to concede that the battery swell was so pronounced (breaking through the bottom of the case and into the trackpad as others reported) that they would be willing to replace the trackpad for free. (Replacing just the trackpad costs around $90 + tax.) This Macbook swollen battery issue was clearly something that they knew about. However since it is within the time limits of the battery dying, they won't pay to replace the battery - even though it renders the entire device useless. Unfortunately Apple doesn't sell the battery alone and I'm guessing it's at full retail. The cost is over $140.
I would have been glad to continue to use this Macbook plugged in as I had always done, even though the battery only kept a charge of 1-2 hours despite a low cycle count. But the swollen battery broke through and destroyed the unit. After discussion with him, and fortunately he was quite realistic and with it, he mentioned that it may be best to just go to ebay and try to find any replacement battery available (non-swollen of course.)
Unfortunately it doesn't pay to spend over $140 just to have Apple replace the battery, even with the trackpad replacement at no cost. Haven't yet figured out what to do, e.g. sell this device for the mint condition screen and keyboard on ebay. I've also learned that buying used Apple equipment appears to be a high risk investment. I may find someone with a Mac and test our apps, sites and offerings but will have to think about a long term solution. With Windows and Android you can get a pretty good new low cost device for $200-300 and it's all good. But Apple's lowest price laptop comes in at $1300 +tax for the lowest entry level (around $1430) and that's a lot of money for an occasionally used device. Will figure it out. Thanks for the help from all of you. At least it will get us a replacement trackpad for the device if we actually decide to fix it with another battery that will probably swell in a year or two.
Went looking on Amazon for a replacement battery. Warning to all, even though most Apple people probably know this - any third party replacement may result in Apple equipment recognizing it as non-Apple and rendering the replacement useless. Looks like many batteries would not connect (or initially connect) and then be identified as needing to be replaced. Most are recommending only an official Apple replacement part... which means a $130 battery or a used battery which swelling again is just a matter of time. Anyway... if any of you have ideas, I'd welcome them - and thank you in advance.
As a random suggestion given your very low usage/workflow, why not pay and replace the trackpad yourself, remove the battery completely, the Notebook should still function albeit the CPU clock frequency will be reduced.
Another alternative is as you say, sell the MacBook off for parts and pick up "refurbished" 11" Air from Apple or "open box" from Best Buy, you will have all the benefits of a new purchase with a reduced cost. Bottom line is you need a Mac, in your situation I would go with a "Mac Mini " no battery to worry about so you can store it indefinitely or I would look a the cheapest new entry model Notebook, so you know the machine will be good for a minimum of 3-5 years.
Q-6
Another alternative is as you say, sell the MacBook off for parts and pick up "refurbished" 11" Air from Apple or "open box" from Best Buy, you will have all the benefits of a new purchase with a reduced cost. Bottom line is you need a Mac, in your situation I would go with a "Mac Mini " no battery to worry about so you can store it indefinitely or I would look a the cheapest new entry model Notebook, so you know the machine will be good for a minimum of 3-5 years.
Q-6
I would get a Mac mini as well if I were in this situation. Give the stated usage pattern, I honestly don't see a definite need for a laptop of any kind.
Get Apple to fix the trackpad (you don't appear to be the type that wants to bother with a DIY route,) sell what's left for parts, and then put the proceeds toward a base Mac mini.
Get Apple to fix the trackpad (you don't appear to be the type that wants to bother with a DIY route,) sell what's left for parts, and then put the proceeds toward a base Mac mini.
Thanks - good advice. Fortunately I may be able to hold off on considering a Mac Mini. Went to Microcenter to find a kit that has a special Mac screwdriver to remove the battery. $30. (Proprietary screws *only* for the Apple Macbook battery probably to ensure that the majority of people can't just unscrew something themselves and be desperate to pay for AppleCare or service.... ridiculous.) I removed the battery but kept it connected. Fortunately while the case broke, the trackpad still works (could also have used a usb or bluetooth mouse) and the MacBook turns on. Screen is flawless... would have been a shame to junk it.
I ordered a cheap battery on Amazon that is returnable if it doesn't work. Even if it holds a charge for an hour or two, it will serve its purposes - provided it doesn't swell into another Apple Macbook swollen battery problem. Net repair will be about $76, which is still around $67 less than it would have cost having a new Apple battery put in there and a trackpad - and I have a complete set of screwdriver bits if I need them for Apple devices, including most PCs and gaming machines. For those curious, the bulge is several millimeters on each side, far worse on the softer inside of the battery (pressing against the trackpad) since it doesn't have hard plastic to keep it in shape. It has a soft inner area.... really terrible design. I don't recall seeing a battery like this on any laptop I've had. Anyway... thanks for the help everyone.
I ordered a cheap battery on Amazon that is returnable if it doesn't work. Even if it holds a charge for an hour or two, it will serve its purposes - provided it doesn't swell into another Apple Macbook swollen battery problem.
Net repair will be about $76, which is still around $67 less than it would have cost having a new Apple battery put in there and a trackpad - and I have a complete set of screwdriver bits if I need them for Apple devices, including most PCs and gaming machines. For those curious, the bulge is several millimeters on each side, far worse on the softer inside of the battery (pressing against the trackpad) since it doesn't have hard plastic to keep it in shape. It has a soft inner area.... really terrible design. I don't recall seeing a battery like this on any laptop I've had. Anyway... thanks for the help everyone.Thanks a lot - Apple wouldn't fix the trackpad alone without "fixing" the battery for around $143 or so. Am counting my blessings that the trackpad still worked. The case cracking probably saved its functionality.
Will report on the Apple A1331 replacement battery sold to me by Amazon. You really cannot find any reliable replacement any more.
Funny, I found this by accident here. Seems that the A1331 being a case of Apple defective design is long history. Too bad we had to even have a discussion.... https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...cement-battery-for-the-a1342-macbook.1629404/
Anyway.... battery should arrive next week. Too cheap to be probably more than a placebo. Just want it to last an hour or two and not spit back a non-Apple battery message.
Funny, I found this by accident here. Seems that the A1331 being a case of Apple defective design is long history. Too bad we had to even have a discussion.... https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...cement-battery-for-the-a1342-macbook.1629404/
Anyway.... battery should arrive next week. Too cheap to be probably more than a placebo. Just want it to last an hour or two and not spit back a non-Apple battery message.
I've purchased two after market batteries for my 2008 aluminum MacBook from Ebay. I paid about $25 each for them. They don't hold quite as much charge as the original but they work fine. At $25, I really couldn't complain much.
