MBP battery replacement - Is it...

[vats3]

Is it really necessary to buy a replacement battery from Apple at $130. I have a Model A1226 MacBook Pro3,1
I would appreciate advice! TNX Vats3
After search, I've found the following:

$70 - Anker® New Laptop Battery for Apple A1226 MacBook Pro 15", Aluminum Body as Original (Not Plastic) - 18 Months Warranty [Li-Polymer 6-cell 5600mAh]
100% New from Manufacturer. Up to 500 recharge cycles over the life of the battery.
CE-/FCC-/RoHS-Certified for safety. 24 x 7 email support, 8-hr x 5-weekday call support

$29 - by ExpertPower® 10.8v 5600mAh 6 Cell Li-polymer Laptop Battery for Apple Macbook 15" A1226 12-Month Warranty

$65 - by EC TECHNOLOGY® New Extended Replacement Laptop notebook 6-cell Li-Polymer 5200mAh Battery For Apple Macbook Pro 15 inch, A1226- 12-Month Warranty

$35 - by Laptop Battery HQ APA1175 - Laptop Battery For Apple MacBook Pro 15 inch A1175 A1211 A1226 A1260 A1150 100% money back guarantee within 60 days of purchase Full 1 year warranty

 

[leman]

Apple's batteries are often of higher quality (hold charge longer etc.). That said, your laptop is what, almost 7 years old now? I would not invest in good-quality components for it. Still, make sure to read some reviews before buying a no-name part - some of them are known to explode etc.

 

[mrweirdo]

Nah eBay/amazon should suffice. Just do your research as previously stated. I just recently replaced a battery in my old 2006 macbook. So far *knock on wood * its been just as good as any of the official Apple batteries I've had.

If it were a retina or newer model then things change.

 

[jbachandouris]

My mid 2010 MBP's battery hit 77% last week setting off a 'service battery' warning. It only had 500 cycles when Apple claims 1000 cycles.

I thought about aftermarket, but didn't see the savings to be worth the risk. I went to Apple, explained my issue, and the manager authorized 25% off that $129. Too me, it was worth it for them to do the repair.

Only complaint I have is that the mid 2010 claimed 10 hours battery life when I bought it, but the new battery never seems to claim more than 7 (which is OK, I guess). It's only gone through 2 charges though...

 

[vats3]

OK Good Advice. Avoid expensive components for old machine!

I'll go with the Anker based on reviews and their purported customer service advertisements. Also 6 cells 18month warranty.

Thanks to all for answering!

Regards

Vats3