What do you do when your battery indicator says service battery?

[Nobita]

Do you buy a new battery, or do you keep using it?

My macbook is one generation before the battery that can last up to 1000 cycles. I have 480 cycles and has had this for 2.5 years. Want to keep using it for at least 2 more years. Should I buy a new battery?

It's $150 in apple store, and $50 in ebay (third party). Should I buy it?

 

[GGJstudios]

What is your current battery health? This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions:

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

That really depends on one question: Do you use your laptop on battery, or is it plugged in all the time?

Answer that, and you know the answer to your first question.

 

[discounteggroll]

if it still holds a charge that you are acceptable with, I'd just run it into the ground until it doesn't hold an acceptable charge. sans getting one retail at apple, you can try macsales for a reputable battery. I have heard horror stories of $30 ebay batteries bulging, dying very early and other bad things

 

[TenderBranson]

if you have applecare they may replace your battery for free.

 

[GGJstudios]

if you have applecare they may replace your battery for free.

Not likely, since they have 480 cycles on their battery, and Apple only guarantees 80% health up to 300 cycles. The OP's battery is well beyond that.

 

[Nobita]

That really depends on one question: Do you use your laptop on battery, or is it plugged in all the time?

Answer that, and you know the answer to your first question.

I use the battery, but ever since it's not holding charge anymore, I am forced to carry my power cable everywhere.

 

[discounteggroll]

unfortunately the battery is a consumable item, warrantied up to 1 year or 300 cycles, whichever happens sooner. I guess your question to as would be what do you think is a better buy? 3 batteries off of ebay after each one dies or one from apple that you hope will last at least as long as your current one. Either way I would keep receipts in case you need to file a claim

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I use the battery, but ever since it's not holding charge anymore, I am forced to carry my power cable everywhere.

Easy then, buy a new one.