Macbook battery replacement question...
 

My daughter has a Macbook that is 4 years old and the battery has stopped charging. Looking on-line at Apple, they want ~$129 or so for a new one and an appointment to replace it (:rolleyes:). Reviews on Apple say that don't last as long and have swelling issues. Customer Reviews: Rechargeable Battery - 13-inch Mac

I've looked at hers and it pops out like any other battery, so replacing it myself will be a snap.

Elsewhere on-line, it $30 to 50 for a new one.

How do I test if it's the battery or something else?

Anybody replace theirs and have good/bad experiences, plus cost?

BTW, I'm not a Apple/macbook user so it will be difficult to diagnose, as I'm computer impaired.

Same problem with a MacBook pro this spring. Popped a new $30 battery in, easy change, and everything is fine.

Understand it it more complicated on the new air models.

I've done both and frankly, the Apple battery fit much better. I still have a non Apple battery but it seemed to be warped some and didn't fit flush to the bottom of the case. Removement and replacement can be done by a blind person.

My MacBook Pro "battery" problem turned out to be a charger. Apple wanted something like $75 for a new one, an eBay reseller sold me a new one for $36. He claimed it was genuine Apple. It was in original Apple packaging and looks well made, so I believe it is genuine. You might check eBay for a lower priced genuine Apple battery.

My son has a MacBook pro (I think?). It's an aluminum cased Apple. Maybe I can use his charger to test before buying a new battery.

BTW, her MacBook works while plugged in, it just doesn't charge the battery.

That's no doubt the battery. The Macbook uses a 65 watt charger and the Pro uses an 85 watt unit. The pro charger will work on a Macbook, but not vice versa.

^^^ OK, thanks.

Here's a plug for the OEM battery from Apple: Make an appointment at the genius bar. The tech will run diagnostics on the computer to confirm without a doubt that it is the battery. Some batteries have recalls and might be replaced for free (if the computer is very old, probably not). The battery then has a warranty. They will also properly dispose of the old battery (you can't toss it in the trash at home).

My time is well worth the extra bill to not have to buy a battery online that may or may not work, fit, etc. YMMV.