Apple Users

47of74

(18,470 posts) Mon Apr 21, 2014, 08:02 PM Apr 2014

My 2008 MacBook has bitten the dust.

Last month when getting ready to go to Italy I discovered that my MacBook's battery would not hold a charge. It worked when plugged in but otherwise would not work. It's at the point now where I'm not going to get it fixed, and it hasn't been my primary machine for a few years now - serving mainly as my travel / backup Macintosh machine. I have a 2011 15" MacBook Pro that's my primary machine now.

The performance of the netbook I put a copy of Ubuntu on and took with me left something to be desired. I've been thinking maybe a MacBook Air to replace the 2008 machine. Anyone have any experience with the newer MacBook Airs?

9 replies

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My 2008 MacBook has bitten the dust. (Original Post) 47of74 Apr 2014 OP

Apple Genius bar gave me a free battery and keyboard, even after the warranty expired. NYC_SKP Apr 2014 #1

The Airs are great for travel NV Whino Apr 2014 #2

You can get a battery for about 80 bucks. OnyxCollie Apr 2014 #3

I looked at both the pro and the air when my last one died. cbayer Apr 2014 #4

Echoing others. Get the battery checked. Stinky The Clown Apr 2014 #5

My macbook is 2008 arikara Apr 2014 #6

As with most things apple, they make a better products so cbayer May 2014 #7

Well to be honest arikara May 2014 #8

You had a faulty battery to begin with, I think. cbayer May 2014 #9

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)

1. Apple Genius bar gave me a free battery and keyboard, even after the warranty expired.

Reply to 47of74 (Original post)

Mon Apr 21, 2014, 08:09 PM

Apr 2014

Black macbook, maybe yours doesn't have a removable battery but don't toss it, it's perfectly serviceable!

Give it to a school, or a friend, but don't toss it!

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)

2. The Airs are great for travel

Reply to 47of74 (Original post)

Mon Apr 21, 2014, 08:20 PM

Apr 2014

Light weight and compact. I don't think you would regret getting one.

OnyxCollie

(9,958 posts)

3. You can get a battery for about 80 bucks.

Reply to 47of74 (Original post)

Mon Apr 21, 2014, 10:37 PM

Apr 2014

I replaced mine in January, but if you've got the money to buy a new computer, go for it.

I'm thinking about using my my tax return to replace my 2007 MacBook with a new MacBook Pro, but car repairs might take priority.

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

4. I looked at both the pro and the air when my last one died.

Reply to 47of74 (Original post)

Tue Apr 22, 2014, 05:03 AM

Apr 2014

I opted for the pro for a number of reasons, but I don't really need an ultra-light machine. Very, very happy with the pro.

As others have noted, batteries are relatively inexpensive. If that's the only problem, why not just replace it?

Stinky The Clown

(68,476 posts)

5. Echoing others. Get the battery checked.

Reply to 47of74 (Original post)

Tue Apr 22, 2014, 09:26 PM

Apr 2014

The batteries wear out long before the computer.

I have a late model 13" Air and I love it. I have had a series of MacBook Pro 13s and the Air outshines them. The solid state drive is a big part of it. Loads are VERY fast.

arikara

(5,562 posts)

6. My macbook is 2008

Reply to 47of74 (Original post)

Wed Apr 30, 2014, 11:31 PM

Apr 2014

the battery just went on it. It actually swelled up and pushed out of the slot and I thought the computer was melting or something so I took it to the apple store. The guy said that happened all the time but their batteries were on order and $139. I found one online that came to just over $60 including taxes and shipping; and it arrived before the apple store even called. Including what I would have paid on taxes and recycling fees, I saved nearly $90. I don't know what apple is thinking charging those kind of prices.

http://www.battdepot.com/ca/

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

7. As with most things apple, they make a better products so

Reply to arikara (Reply #6)

Thu May 1, 2014, 09:18 AM

May 2014

they charge more for it.

Having bought replacement batteries on line and mac batteries from apple, I truly think you get what you pay for.

You may have saved some money in the short run, but possibly not in the long run.

arikara

(5,562 posts)

8. Well to be honest

Reply to cbayer (Reply #7)

Thu May 1, 2014, 01:15 PM

May 2014

the mac battery wasn't ever any good either. It only lasted an hour unplugged and I didn't even realize that they should last longer. Given the computer is getting old, I rarely use it unplugged... plus I just don't have a bunch of money to spend on the chance that apple lasts a bit longer. So Ill have to take my chances.

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

9. You had a faulty battery to begin with, I think.

Reply to arikara (Reply #8)

Thu May 1, 2014, 01:24 PM

May 2014

My battery, which is several years old, will last from 4 - 6 hours, depending on the demand I put on it.

You may have made an excellent choice and I hope so.

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