Comments on: How Important is a Removable Notebook Battery?

By: Nancy Nally

Nancy Nally — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:08:57 +0000

Yes, that sentence should only have referred to the MacBook Air. My bad – sorry for the confusion.

By: Nancy Nally

Nancy Nally — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:03:01 +0000

One of the few times that I was glad I had my 2nd battery on my previous machine was the trade show trip I make once a year that requires flying cross-country. The ATL-LAX leg of the trip is 4 or 5 hours depending on which direction you’re flying. That’s too long for one battery.

By: BBusyB

BBusyB — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:02:56 +0000

I Agree, The Price is pretty steep, especially as its Apple only.

If I could use it to charge other notebooks as well, then I would probably have ordered one already as I would be able to power any of my notebooks, or those of my team if needed (And had the correct tips).

I’ve been looking for an alternative, and while APC used to sell something similar which worked with most Notebooks, It looks Like they’ve discontinued it as I cant find it anymore.

Suggestions for alternatives would definitely be worth looking into, and possibly review.

By: Nancy Nally

Nancy Nally — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:55:11 +0000

Those Hyper Mac batteries are sweet but expensive. You’d think as an Apple user I’d get over the sticker shock about all things Mac but that hasn’t happened yet…

By: Nancy Nally

Nancy Nally — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:53:02 +0000

I think you are right…I was remembering my reaction to the MacBook Air. Because it was obviously designed to be an ultra-portable machine and yet it didn’t have what to me was a key component for a portable – a swap-able battery.

By: Dieter Petereit

Dieter Petereit — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:42:38 +0000

The battery of my Macbook Pro 15″, bought December 2008, Unibody aluminium is as easily replacable as any other notebook battery is. I don´t get what you´re talking about…

By: Mobile Device Batteries — Make Mine Removable

Mobile Device Batteries — Make Mine Removable — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:41:35 +0000

[...] Web Worker Daily has rekindled the debate and makes a valid point when looking at the statistics: “The reality is that only a small percentage of notebook users do purchase and use extra batteries. Apple seems committed to this path, and Dell is also trying the concept out. Others may follow.” [...]

By: parambyte

parambyte — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:50:05 +0000

i never ever had the need to carry spare batteries or replace them myself. I also got teh replacements at Apple, and somehow, most wherever you go, you find a sharging point nearby. at home my Mac is almost always plugged in, so the moment I leave hgome, I have 100% charge.i think a bigger problem with the nee MacBook Pros is the glossy display. I can never wear a light coloiurted shirt next to a window again!

By: terrygriffin

terrygriffin — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:19:43 +0000

Well, the phrases “unibody,” “sealed” and “made from a single piece of aluminum” do suggest not being able to get into the machine—that was my assumption also. I’ve had my older-model MacBook Pro for about 3 years now–and it’s about time for battery replacement #2. So the idea of not being able to replace a laptop battery does kinda suck…

By: Ken

Ken — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:04:09 +0000

Indeed, I’ve never carried my extra battery on trips. I “fill” up at the airport before hopping on a plane. But I live in Chicago so none of my flights are too long.

I think folks whose jobs require continuous travel might have trouble with unibody laptops.

The availability of external batteries would seem reasonable for emergency backups in most situations.

By: John

John — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:37:20 +0000

This reminds me of the discussion some years ago about how many PCI slots were needed in a computer. Yes, you could make an argument for more slots, but in reality very few people used any ports at all. This is where we are headed with batteries. Machines will be sold for the 95% of us that don’t carry extra batteries and third parties will develop solutions for the rest.

I used to carry extra batteries but gave that up about 5 years ago. It is just not that critical.

By: Peter

Peter — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:22:56 +0000

OK, I guess I should have said “easily user replaceable”.
Having to take the machine apart to do it is a PITA.

By: BBusyB

BBusyB — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:19:14 +0000

I went through a similar thought process before I bought My new Macbook a few weeks ago.

I was seriously considering getting one of the last generation 15″ mainly for the removable battery and the Expesscard slot.

In the end, after looking at how often I’m away from a power point for more then 3 hrs I finally decided to go for the new 13″ Unibody MBP as the trade-off was not worth it in my specific case.

Also the availability of HyperDrive’s, Hyper Mac External battery pack means that if down the road, I need access to more power, I can always add one of these, which will anyway be lighter and have more capacity then carrying one or two extra battery’s.

By: Jasmine

Jasmine — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:33:40 +0000

I personally have no need for it since I use my netbook at school, where I have ample access to power outlets, and my netbook’s battery lasts a solid 6-7 hours with the amount of work I do on it. An extra battery is overkill for what I do for it.

I understand the need for it, but if my netbook didn’t have a removable battery, I wouldn’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.

By: Trevor

Trevor — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:58:23 +0000

I have 3 batteries for notebook, its make me angry to take all they together for trip. When someone developed a perfect type of battery. There is no progress in supply for note, palm and etc…

By: John

John — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:17:55 +0000

It is replaceable – it just doesn’t have a cover that pops off. Apple recommends having Apple replace it ($179), but it is easily replaced by someone who is comfortable opening up their computer.

Why would you think it is not replaceable?