Replacement Battery (OEM vs. NuPower vs. EBAY/Amazon) Experiences

[anonthymous]

I'm looking for a replacement battery for my friend's macbook and I'm kinda at crossroads as to whether buying an aftermarket battery (such as the ones offered in OWC, NuPower $100) would be a feasible option instead of opting to buy an Apple OEM battery or getting a sketchy deal off Ebay/Amazon. I'm fully aware of the fact of bootleg battery ripoffs sadly circulating nowadays which lead me to OWC as a tangible alternative. They offer my battery exactly for my friend's macbook early 2011 model along with the 1yr warranty which I think is a great deal however, I'm still a bit hesitant if these batteries can be trusted without solid good testimonial (excluding the ones on their site). I'm not a novice and I quite familiar with taking apart my own Macbook and I don't feel like forking another $50-100 for an "Apple" guy to do something I can do as easily by myself.

I've read a couple forums and posts with scant replies and very one-sided answers. At first glance, OWC seems pretty legit and there have been some positive reviews surfacing on the web. I'd like to know what your guys thoughts or if you like to share me any of your experiences with buying aftermarket batteries and what should my expectations be if I were to buy an aftermarket battery.

Truth be told, my Friend does not have Apple Warranty on his macbook and therefore, I don't feel I would be in the position of soliciting for a discount of any kind if I go to the Apple Store. Like I said before, it distresses me to pay someone to do something I can do by myself.

 

[Harry Muff]

Interested in this one myself...



Anyone?

 

[anonthymous]

Scouring the web (and some of the threads on Macrumors), there just doesn't seem to be a solid consensus if NuPower batteries are a viable alternative. The commentary on NuPower batteries in particular as well as other 3rd aftermarket options seem to be very polarizing with various personal testimonials. I've hyperlinked a couple examples for you convenience below to illustrate this point along with a brief summary of the discussion raised in each case:

1. Are there any after market batteries that work?
Verdict (Negative): NuPower batteries are no longer as good as the used to and now have devolved shamelessly to bootleg ripoffs. This was surprisingly pretty recent and I can't quite argue with what their claiming.

2. OWC, you've lost me
Verdict (Negative): The reviews here seem to be more genuine with some saying Apple warrants better batteries despite OWC's 1 year warranty offered along with the battery. Some users here reported that after 1 year had elapsed, the NuPower batteries died off.

3. MacBook Pro battery replacement?
Verdict (Negative): This has to be by far the most interesting quirky thread I chanced upon. A user claims that OWC has been recieving some "distubring feedback" with some elaboration as to why these OWC batteries do not support their claim. This thread was posted 3 years ago and I've reasoned with this article with some due skepticism.

4. OWC Quality?
Verdict (Positive): This thread was taken from the Mac Forums dating 4 years ago with users generally supporting OWC and Anker.

5. Battery replacement question
Verdict (Positive) : Nupower & Anker (another aftermarket manufacturer) are suggested with a couple of users supporting these manufacturers.

6. Newtech Nupower 60w, verdict?
Verdict (Positive): This thread was taken from the Apple discussion dating 2 years ago with users generally supporting OWC and Anker.

7. NuPower battery vs. OEM
Verdict (Neutral) : NuPower offers good batteries but due to the scant amount of replies on the thread, this claim just seems to bias.

8.Recommend me a replacement battery!
Verdict (Neutral): Wants to buy a NuPower battery but the post is neglected with no replies and no real conclusion which kinda leaves us hanging if he did go through with the purchase.

9. Anker vs OWC (NuPower) -- Late 2008 MacBook
Verdict (Neutral): No real conclusion. Some support Anker & NuPower while others argue opting to purchasing from Apple is more "trusted" and less risky. There are similar threads like these cautioning users that aftermarket batteries are a scam and one should instead rely on those supplied by Apple as they are OEM and guaranteed to work.

10. MacBook 4,1 battery replacement
Verdict (Neutral): NuPower & Anker are suggested but there is no followup by the author if the battery he ended up purchasing from either aftermarket manufacturer was as good as they claimed.

11. Other World Computing nu tech batteries
Verdict (Neutral): User rants about bad battery but OWC is quick to replace the faulty one with a new one. I'm not too sure if this can be trusted as it doesn't address the deeper underlying problems with the OWC battery he got. For example, if the battery was faulty and expired beyond their 1 year warranty, what recourse would the author have taken? A good battery should be justified to last more than 1 year as supported by the claims made by OWC and just replacing it fails to acknowledge the problem associated with the battery.

In conclusion, there doesn't seem to be enough evidence to compel me to decide on whether choosing an aftermarket battery from even a trusted manufacture (such as Anker/NuPower/OWC) would be in my best interest. To reiterate, there doesn't seem to be enough ample/solid evidence on the web that suggests these aftermarket vendors are legitimate. The views expressed by the data I've collected suggests there isn't a clear consensus for good aftermarket batteries.

Please note that these are just examples of what I fished and compiled online. I welcome any kind of feedback regarding this issue. I really hope this thread doesn't die off as I feel that others also have these lingering questions in mind.

 

[GGJstudios]

I wouldn't trust or recommend any non-Apple battery, due to the number of problems reported with "knockoff" batteries. Also, there is no assurance that knockoff batteries have the same charging technology that Apple uses, involving the battery, the MagSafe adapter and the Mac's logic board. To me, it's not worth risking your $2000 Mac to save a few dollars on a replacement battery, but the choice is yours.

​

Battery Service and Recycling

​

The link below should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions, including tips for maximizing battery performance. If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend you take the time to read it.

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

 

[anonthymous]

... due to the number of problems reported with "knockoff" batteries ...

The problems reported with "knockoff" batteries are the ones which usually derive from those brought from sketchy Ebay/Amazon deals. I wouldn't say that all batteries are knockoff and I also wouldn't take Anker/OWC out of the equation for the matter. There just seems to be soo many ripoffs circulating nowadays which has made people more scared/resentful about and kind of aftermarket purchase which to me is kinda ignoratium without looking at other positive testimonials.

OWC and Anker have established themselves as legitimate aftermarket manufacturers but you are correct in saying that there is no guarantee that these batteries will work just as well as the OEM supplied by Apple. And FYI, Apple doesn't manufacture it's own batteries, I believe they buy it off a supplier. Hypothetically, if one could get a hold or into contact with this supplier or has knowledge of an aftermarket manufacturer selling this batteries under a different guise/name, then one could purchase these batteries with full confidence knowing that they work and aren't of bootleg quality.

To me personally, I don't want to fork over the extra $ to pay an "Apple" guy to do it. Taking out a battery is pretty common sense. All I'm lacking is the means of doing it, in particular the battery and if someone could direct me to a good manufacturer, then I'm more than happy to close this issue. I realize this isn't clear-cut or black and white but I'd like some solid user testimonials or some guidance as if there are any aftermarket alternatives.

 

[GGJstudios]

And FYI, Apple doesn't manufacture it's own batteries, I believe they buy it off a supplier.

Yes, I'm aware of that. That's why I said Apple batteries and not Apple-manufactured batteries.

To me personally, I don't want to fork over the extra $ to pay an "Apple" guy to do it. Taking out a battery is pretty common sense. All I'm lacking is the means of doing it, in particular the battery and if someone could direct me to a good manufacturer, then I'm more than happy to close this issue. I realize this isn't clear-cut or black and white but I'd like some solid user testimonials or some guidance as if there are any aftermarket alternatives.

The "extra" you would pay for Apple to replace it is minimal, compared to the value of a MBP. It's up to you if you want to go that route, but the time and risk involved aren't worth the minimal cost savings, and the potential of causing problems with your Mac down the road are strong enough deterrents for me to recommend sticking with letting Apple doing the replacement. YMMV

I trust OWC products in general, and have bought a number of them over the years. I would still buy batteries only from Apple.

 

[anonthymous]

Thank you for the very reasonable response. I completely agree with you in that I wouldn't hesitant buying from Apple either but the macbook which I'm servicing for my Friend is no longer under Apple Warranty and I don't want to milk more $ for this "extra" fee whatever it may be.

I guess my logic is somewhat faulty as I assume trusted manufacturers (such as OWC/Anker) would stand behind trusted products and in this case, batteries as well. I'm still researching other possibilities and exploring different aftermarket options before I default to Apple.

 

[anonthymous]

TLDR: The intent of this thread is to explore aftermarket battery options as an alternative to purchasing one supplied by Apple. For those in a similar situation as me, most of us are not under Apple Warranty and are in search of replacing a defective battery. Apple offers this service but at expensive price ($150 where I live) which led me to research if OWC/Anker (trusted aftermarket manufactures) carry quality batteries I could buy at a much cheaper and reasonable discounted price.

This begets a question on whether or not one would choose to invest their money on a cheaper alternative (aftermarket) but risk it being crappy/unusable quality or on the contrary, invest in a more expensive alternative (provided from Apple) with the only caveat being putting more $ on the counter for some average "Apple" joe to service the battery and install it on your macbook, all of which can be done quite trivially by yourself.

I want to keep this issue as broad and generic as possible to engage a broader consensus resolving the question of feasibility behind battery products offered by aftermarket vendors such as OWC/ANKER. Doing some quick google searches with keywords "NuPower", "OWC", "ANKER" & "Review", I've compiled a list of varying testimonials for your convenience. Please review these discussions I hyperlinked at your own leisure and of course, at your own discretion.

If anyone has experience buying NuPower batteries in particular please come forward. I'd like to know if NuPower batteries or aftermarket alternatives exist instead of opting to Apple. Not that I'm resentful of their (Apple) services but I'm the kind of guy that likes to take issues to the forefront and do it myself.

 

[pje65]

I'm a teacher, and my school needs are pretty basic (word processing, Smartboard type stuff, etc.). My main computer is a 2010 iMac. It still serves me very well. My niece gave me her old 2008 Macbook last year. I've used it at school during bathroom duty for writing lesson plans and tests, things like that. It was pretty slow, but worked pretty well for my needs. My only real complaint was the battery, which invariably died after a couple of hours. That would barely get me through a few days. So, I looked around. I ended up doubling up the RAM and buying the $100 NuPower battery from OWC. I've had very good luck with them in the past. I've been using the new setup for about a month now. The memory hasn't seemed to help much, but battery life has improved noticeably (though not dramatically) . It's been lasting about 2 1/2 hours before dying. I don't know if that's good for a 2008 laptop or not, but I'm pretty happy with the purchase so far. I can almost make it through a week now with no apparent negative side effects.

 

[SkimMilk168]

Just sharing my logic on batteries:
I will use 3rd party Japan cells for cheaper devices, but will always go for manufacturer's cells for higher priced products.

eg:
Canon Compact camera --> I will use 3rd party cells ($50 for canon batteries vs $19 for 2 3rd parties)
Nikon DSLR --> I buy "original" Nikon cells ($55 for this)

For TS's case, not sure if you have proceeded to replace the batteries yourself. But if I were in your shoes, I will get your friend to get Apple to change it instead.
Reasoning: That's a 2011 MacBook. RadeonGate is rampant on those machines. Unless it's an onboard vga (was there any during that time?), I wouldn't want to touch the insides now.

 

[thewap]

If anyone has experience buying NuPower batteries in particular please come forward. I'd like to know if NuPower batteries or aftermarket alternatives exist instead of opting to Apple. Not that I'm resentful of their (Apple) services but I'm the kind of guy that likes to take issues to the forefront and do it myself.[/QUOTE]

Newertech (nupower) battery on my Powerbook G4 still holding a charge after 5 years.

Just bought a nupower battery for my MBP core2duo, looks better built than the Apple one - which just recently blew up (expanded twice the size) with no warning - battery health was at 86% with 286 cycles only. Glad to get rid of the Apple battery..my daughter's MBP aso had her apple battery fail by expansion, I replaced it with nupower after 2 apple batteries failed the same way as mine.

Probably will get another Nupower battery for my MBP late 2011.
Never heard of a newertech battery fail like the apple ones.

RadeonGate - overhyped IMO, actually I feel better with my 2011 MBP that I can service myself (and do), the anti-glare matt screen which is classic with no reflection, no coating rubbing off, no yellowing of screen (coatGate?, YellowGate?), and no glue to deal with. It's all a matter of perspective.

 

[anonthymous]

I ended up purchasing an Apple OEM battery (for my buddy) which has served him well over the pass 4 months (no complaints, defects, overheating, whatsoever). My one pet-peeve is that Apple charges a trivial maintenance fee on top of the battery's retail value ($120 + $30) but I guess business is business.

Not to discredit (or for the matter) reinstate what others have said here, I'd still give NuPower a try or other aftermarket vendors such as OWC. That asides, I've never heard of RadeonGate will look into that. Again, thanks for posting guys and keep it rolling, share your experiences.

Maybe there are cheaper alternatives that exist out there. I'm forever optimistic.

 

[Mkornegay2]

I'm looking for a replacement battery for my friend's macbook and I'm kinda at crossroads as to whether buying an aftermarket battery (such as the ones offered in OWC, NuPower $100) would be a feasible option instead of opting to buy an Apple OEM battery or getting a sketchy deal off Ebay/Amazon. I'm fully aware of the fact of bootleg battery ripoffs sadly circulating nowadays which lead me to OWC as a tangible alternative. They offer my battery exactly for my friend's macbook early 2011 model along with the 1yr warranty which I think is a great deal however, I'm still a bit hesitant if these batteries can be trusted without solid good testimonial (excluding the ones on their site). I'm not a novice and I quite familiar with taking apart my own Macbook and I don't feel like forking another $50-100 for an "Apple" guy to do something I can do as easily by myself.

I've read a couple forums and posts with scant replies and very one-sided answers. At first glance, OWC seems pretty legit and there have been some positive reviews surfacing on the web. I'd like to know what your guys thoughts or if you like to share me any of your experiences with buying aftermarket batteries and what should my expectations be if I were to buy an aftermarket battery.

Truth be told, my Friend does not have Apple Warranty on his macbook and therefore, I don't feel I would be in the position of soliciting for a discount of any kind if I go to the Apple Store. Like I said before, it distresses me to pay someone to do something I can do by myself.

I know this post is old, but pass. I bought one and returned. It did not fit correctly as the mold for th plastic housing is not 100% accurate. The back cover would not close without forcing it. I ordered one off eBay and of course it was s knock off, too good to be true. I will be sending it back as well. I've only ordered memory from OWC. I ordered an OEM MagSafe power supply from OWC a few years ago and even thiugh it appear to look like and Apple original it was not. I had the original and could clearly tell it was a counterfeit. It worked for 3hrs and auit charging. The power supply got hot and started smelling. I returned and ordered a replacement. Same thing happened. I returned and got a refund. OWC swore it was OEM. They may have been told that, but it clearly was not. I found out that you cannot get OEM Apple except from Apple or someone selling used. Otherwise only buy things not trying to be sold as something else.

 

[Kudos6612]

eBay is actually great for picking up batteries as long as you check their feedback, I replaced a 2011 mbp with a "genuine Oem Apple battery" for 30$ and it lasts the same amount of time as when I bought it. Some batteries have defects but I would just return it if you feel the battery isn't lasting as long as it should be.

 

[Mkornegay2]

eBay is actually great for picking up batteries as long as you check their feedback, I replaced a 2011 mbp with a "genuine Oem Apple battery" for 30$ and it lasts the same amount of time as when I bought it. Some batteries have defects but I would just return it if you feel the battery isn't lasting as long as it should be.

Actually I haven't installed it yet. I have MBP 2011 too. I want to give it a try but I'm skeptical. It says it has a 1yr warranty but I don't know. Really don't want to drop $200 on battery directly from Apple. I paid $55 for mine. Suggestions?? Is it worth risk of overheating, faulty computer functioning, risk of fire, etc.?

 

[guidove76]

Hi Guys. I have a Macbook Pro Early 2011 i7. Replaced the battery before. First I bought a cheap one of eBay. It worked, but my processor only ran at less than half the speed (0.8 GHZ in stead of 2.2GHZ). Turns out this was because the macbook 'recognises' it's not an original battery (or at least specs differ too much) and for safety reasons clocks back the processor. Then I replaced that 'fake' battery with a OEM one ordered on Amazon. Processor was back at normal speeds. However this new battery turned out not to be that new. After half a year it just died. It was probably an 'old' new one (should have checked the cycles when I installed it, but didn't).

Now, I'm looking to buy a new battery, but the OEM's are almost impossible to find (at least here in Mexico where I live), so I was also looking at the OWC NuPower ones. Any real experiences with this one and are you sure it doesn't clock back your processor speed? You can check that with Intel Power Gadget (https://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-power-gadget/)

 

[Mkornegay2]

Hi Guys. I have a Macbook Pro Early 2011 i7. Replaced the battery before. First I bought a cheap one of eBay. It worked, but my processor only ran at less than half the speed (0.8 GHZ in stead of 2.2GHZ). Turns out this was because the macbook 'recognises' it's not an original battery (or at least specs differ too much) and for safety reasons clocks back the processor. Then I replaced that 'fake' battery with a OEM one ordered on Amazon. Processor was back at normal speeds. However this new battery turned out not to be that new. After half a year it just died. It was probably an 'old' new one (should have checked the cycles when I installed it, but didn't).

Now, I'm looking to buy a new battery, but the OEM's are almost impossible to find (at least here in Mexico where I live), so I was also looking at the OWC NuPower ones. Any real experiences with this one and are you sure it doesn't clock back your processor speed? You can check that with Intel Power Gadget (https://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-power-gadget/)

The first battery I tried from OWC would not fit like OEM, I returned it and got another which they offered at a better price for my troubles. Still it did not fit. The back cover would not sit flush. I finally bit the bullet an purchased a new one from Powerbook Medic. http://www.powerbookmedic.com/Apple...tery-Replacement-for-Model-A1297-p-17803.html. I saw on a thread that's where an Apple tech said they got parts, which I thought was weird. Why didn't they get them from Apple?

It said it was OEM. When it arrived it looked like an Apple product. It had the 3M Void sticker in a separated bag and the quality felt good. I stuck it in and it fit great. The cap and charge was good. After a week it went from 100% down to 93% after only 4 cycles. My old 5 year OEM with 578 cycles was down to 80% and it took three years to reach 93%. So I knew something wasn't right. For a $200 battery it better be.

I got a replacement and so far it's working good. I downloaded the latest version of Coconut Battery which gives more info than the old version I had (wish I had it beforehand). So now I am find that even after resetting SMC that it takes forever to recharge but only a few hours to discharge. Coconut batters says it's over 260 days old (manufactured date of July 2016) and PBM says they only sit on the shelf a week or so. Maybe their shelf. But I do get a 1 yr warranty from purchase date. I just hope the cells aren't bad. But I ordered a new charger from Best Buy because my gets really hot and the input wattage fluctuates on charge. I hope that solves the problem. Anyway, the batter doesn't last anywhere near what it did when I bought the computer, but again I've got a lot more on it now and 5 yr old tech is outdated. It gives me 2-3 hours versus 1hr or less. If I'm just surfing the web and not running Adobe CC it will do around 3.5-4hr. Bite the bullet and get the real deal.

 

[guidove76]

The first battery I tried from OWC would not fit like OEM, I returned it and got another which they offered at a better price for my troubles. Still it did not fit. The back cover would not sit flush. I finally bit the bullet an purchased a new one from Powerbook Medic. I saw on a thread that's where an Apple tech said they got parts, which I thought was weird. Why didn't they get them from Apple?

It said it was OEM. When it arrived it looked like an Apple product. It had the 3M Void sticker in a separated bag and the quality felt good. I stuck it in and it fit great. The cap and charge was good. After a week it went from 100% down to 93% after only 4 cycles. My old 5 year OEM with 578 cycles was down to 80% and it took three years to reach 93%. So I knew something wasn't right. For a $200 battery it better be.

I got a replacement and so far it's working good. I downloaded the latest version of Coconut Battery which gives more info than the old version I had (wish I had it beforehand). So now I am find that even after resetting SMC that it takes forever to recharge but only a few hours to discharge. Coconut batters says it's over 260 days old (manufactured date of July 2016) and PBM says they only sit on the shelf a week or so. Maybe their shelf. But I do get a 1 yr warranty from purchase date. I just hope the cells aren't bad. But I ordered a new charger from Best Buy because my gets really hot and the input wattage fluctuates on charge. I hope that solves the problem. Anyway, the batter doesn't last anywhere near what it did when I bought the computer, but again I've got a lot more on it now and 5 yr old tech is outdated. It gives me 2-3 hours versus 1hr or less. If I'm just surfing the web and not running Adobe CC it will do around 3.5-4hr. Bite the bullet and get the real deal.


View attachment 697355

Thanks. I saw this reply of yours already on another thread, but since this is a different battery for a different macbook I decided to post my question. Your macbook doesn't seem to be affected by the processor being clocked back with non genuine batteries. Therefore I'm interested in people who have the same macbook pro and installed a NuPower battery in it with success and if their CPU is working at full speed.

 

[Mkornegay2]

Oh. Well I was giving you the solutions of replacing the battery with an real OEM Apple battery instead of the knock-offs. Even the bootleg battery's may come in an Apple mock case but they are not. You said it was hard to find an OEM battery. Just providing the solution so as not to hassle with the third-parties. My $2700 MBP isn't worth being damaged to save a few dollars. But to each their own. I try the economic routes first, but eventually you just have to bite the bullet and do what works. Good luck!

 

[guidove76]

Oh. Well I was giving you the solutions of replacing the battery with an real OEM Apple battery instead of the knock-offs. Even the bootleg battery's may come in an Apple mock case but they are not. You said it was hard to find an OEM battery. Just providing the solution so as not to hassle with the third-parties. My $2700 MBP isn't worth being damaged to save a few dollars. But to each their own. I try the economic routes first, but eventually you just have to bite the bullet and do what works. Good luck!

Ah Sorry. I was assuming they only had parts for Powerbooks (i.e. the pré-intell era), but just looked. They do have a battery for my MacBook. Seems to be the real deal. It's 150 USD + 53 USD for shipping to Mexico. I'll have another look to see if I can find one in Mexico and if not order this one. Thanks!

 

[Mkornegay2]

No its the real deal (it better be for that price) and yes I have the intel version too. They sell used, but I don't know why. A used 80% cap battery is what I replaced and I don't find is a worthy candidate for unless less than 1hr charge is good. Anyways, hope you can get something.

 

[apsieger]

No its the real deal (it better be for that price) and yes I have the intel version too. They sell used, but I don't know why. A used 80% cap battery is what I replaced and I don't find is a worthy candidate for unless less than 1hr charge is good. Anyways, hope you can get something.

Hi, I'm looking for a replacement battery for my 2010 17" i7 MacBook Pro. After reading through the comments above, I'm still somewhat unsure where you bought your OEM battery from in the end. Did you buy it from Power Book Medic? Is there another source for OEM batteries or do you know if they can be bought directly from Apple?

Any additional info on your battery experience (now that you've had it for some time) would be much appreciated!

 

[Tony-B]

Hi All,

Nov. '11 13" MacBook Pro. Battery just went swollen and pushed up the trackpad. I tried setting up an appointment at the Apple store for a repair. I was willing to pay. It turns out Apple no longer supports in any way shape or form, any product more than 5 years old. VERY disappointed with the lack of support for an unimpressive laptop for which they charge approximately 100% premium!!! Last Mac (or Apple product for that matter) I will be buying, or at least the last new one. Apple will not even sell a battery over the counter. RIDICULOUS !!! Contemtable lack of support for a very premium priced product !!!

Is there a conclusion here for the best aftermarket battery? It looks like I am on my own, even though this is the same battery as is used in the 2012 model. Apple will not even sell a battery over the counter.

The OWC video shows how trivial the replacement is, with a little care. Given the above, this seems to be the way to go. Might as well replace the hard disk with an SSD at the same time.

 

[Mkornegay2]

Tony what I have found to work is purchasing one from PowerBook Medic. They are not cheap and are supposed to be 100% authentic Apple, not just and OEM aftermarket replacement. I tried OWc and I have not had good results with their "Apple" products. I have returned all that I have bought from them and even got replacements. I believe they at selling grey market or knockoff products. When you compare with an authentic Apple product the quality it clearly lacking. I could even get the battle for my late 2011 17" MBP to fit. The mold was not correct and I tried two of them even after they gave to me for half price. Trust me I wanted it to fit. Instead of spending $200 (get the new one) on a replacement. The first one I bought from Powebook Medic drain really quickly and it said it was a year old. It drained to 95% only after 20 cycles. Use Coconut Battery app and it will give you all the info you need. Even gives manufacturer. I questioned them on this and they said they were the ones who made the batteries for Apple. I got a replacement and while it's still hold 98-100% of charge after 100 cycles (started with 106%), it took my OEM battery 3 yrs to get to 90%. While this one will be much shorter give the drain over 6 mos. But I do understand that the added software over 6+ years has a huge impact. I still have my original battery that has 80% cap, but it gives 1hr or less of charge. My new one gives 3-4hrs depending on load. Maybe less. Also I would recommend a Samsung SDD. I've maxed out and upgraded my MBP as far as it will go. Now I'm just holding on to it. It was the last of the 17" and I cannot afford to drop $2500 on a subpar 15" MBP. I am a professional user and Its a waste of money in my opinion. Less hardware performance for more money and yes Apples support has gone downhill bigtime. Now they are just focused on pushing new product. Apple trying to get the pros to use their $5000 Mac Pro if you want power. And they are hardwiring everything so you have to add it when it's ordered or after 1 yr you have a $2000 paperweight. Apple sickens me.

Hi All,

Nov. '11 13" MacBook Pro. Battery just went swollen and pushed up the trackpad. I tried setting up an appointment at the Apple store for a repair. I was willing to pay. It turns out Apple no longer supports in any way shape or form, any product more than 5 years old. VERY disappointed with the lack of support for an unimpressive laptop for which they charge approximately 100% premium!!! Last Mac (or Apple product for that matter) I will be buying, or at least the last new one. Apple will not even sell a battery over the counter. RIDICULOUS !!! Contemtable lack of support for a very premium priced product !!!

Is there a conclusion here for the best aftermarket battery? It looks like I am on my own, even though this is the same battery as is used in the 2012 model. Apple will not even sell a battery over the counter.

The OWC video shows how trivial the replacement is, with a little care. Given the above, this seems to be the way to go. Might as well replace the hard disk with an SSD at the same time.

 

[SauceDallas]

Late on this thread here but im wondering if any you guys ever tried 'Dynapack' batteries.
Coconut Battery tells me this is the manufacturer of my Apple OEM battery on my MBP mid-2010.
Although close to it's end of life time (1125 cycles), battery status says: 'Fair' and I'd happily get another one of the same.