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Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 08:00 am
MacBook Air firmware updated to support replacement batteries
Apple this past weekend released a firmware update for its MacBook Air line of ultra-thin notebooks that bundles support for a new series of replacement batteries.The 623K update requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 and makes modifications to the notebook's micro-controller on the logic board that controls the power functions, thermal management, the sleep LED, and battery.
Apple said the update will deliver compatibility for a new series of internal MacBook Air replacement batteries that are making their way to its repair depots and other Apple authorized service repair centers. The company, however, did not say how the new wave of batteries differs from their predecessors.
Introduced in January of last year, the MacBook Air was the first modern-day Apple notebook to include internal batteries that are not easily serviceable by users. Since then, similar batteries have found their way into the company's 13- to 17-inch MacBook Pro offerings.
The Mac maker says that advanced chemistry and adaptive charging allows the batteries to maintain charging capabilities longer and determines the optimal way to charge the battery’s cells.
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Previous Comments View All
Quote:
Originally Posted by chronster 
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
You can if you have a screwdriver handy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chronster
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
Its likely some sort of health and safety rubbish! It should only take someone in an apple store a minute or two to swap one - but i guess having to actually go to the store sucks.
I've owned 5 notebooks over the last 16 years and have bought exactly 0 replacement batteries. I kinda wish I had delayed my MBP purchase by 6 months tbh.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chronster
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
few years ago there was a few stories in the media about people buying the cheapest brand x battery on ebay for their cell phone or laptop and having it explode and some mobile phone makers got sued.
Apple probably wants to avoid this and it's an easy way to increase the profit per laptop sold. win win
Quote:
Originally Posted by chronster
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
No but then think of all the the unemployed geniuses it would create.
Quote:
Originally Posted by al_bundy
Apple probably wants to avoid this and it's an easy way to increase the profit per laptop sold. win win
Apple probably wants to avoid this and it's an easy way to increase the profit per laptop sold. win win
Apple will replace the battery in a MacBook Air for $129, this is the battery and labor. Considering that $129 is the starting cost of batteries from most manufacturer's (OEMs not 3rd-party), it really isn't a bad price. The only problem is that you have to bring it to Apple and if you don't live near an Apple Store or a service provider then it could be a real time consuming task.
I guess the number of times someone actually has to replace their battery is so few and far between it's acceptable. Besides that, going to the store to buy a proper battery probably takes just as long as going to an apple store and having them deal with it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chronster
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?
So every yokel in a trailerpark can throw the old one out in the trash?
You have to make a trip anyway. If you replaced the battery yourself you'd have to take it somewhere for proper recycling/disposal. (Right?) You might as well make a trip to an Apple service provider. And while you're there you see all the pretty new products! Obviously Apple doesn't mind you having a reason to come into the store.
The technical benefit of internal batteries has been obvious: longer battery life because of larger battery size because of the absence of layers of casing.
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Is it really so hard to design it so the battery can be replaced by people at home?