New Mac Laptops Use Batteries Sealed for Power
June 24, 2009
by Walter S. Mossberg
The majority of laptop computers come with removable batteries. This approach allows you to pop in a fresh spare when your battery runs out of juice between charges, and to easily replace a battery when its lifespan is over.
But there’s a dirty little secret about removable-battery laptops owned by average consumers: Hardly anybody buys extra batteries. Research firm NPD estimates that fewer than 5% of consumers buy a spare. So, a small trend has begun in the industry: More electronic products are being designed with their rechargeable batteries sealed inside. For instance, Dell’s (DELL) new high-end laptop, the Adamo, has a sealed battery, as does the excellent Flip pocket video camera.
The leading proponent of this idea is Apple (AAPL), which has often led the industry in introducing or removing components from computers. This month, Apple unveiled two revised MacBook Pro laptops with higher-capacity, sealed-in batteries. In fact, Apple’s entire line of laptops now uses sealed batteries, except for one low-end MacBook model from last year’s series.
Apple says this makes sense because sealing in the batteries lets the company make them larger, without adding heft to the laptops. Apple says the two models are the same size and weight as their predecessors, yet their battery capacity has grown by 33% and 46%, respectively.
And, Apple asserts, it has come up with some software technology that allows these sealed batteries to last up to five years in typical use. The company claims that is almost triple the industry average for removable batteries and is longer than the typical time consumers keep the computer, thus making it far less likely you’ll need to replace a dead battery. Apple says it is able to seal in bigger batteries without making the machines larger because the company can compensate by shedding the casings, internal housings and other components needed by replaceable power packs.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro
I’ve been testing these two new Apple laptops, the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the 15-inch MacBook Pro, using my own harsh battery test, which I apply to all laptops I review. The results were excellent. These two new Apple laptops scored among the highest battery lives between charges of any laptop I have ever tested with a battery that fits entirely inside the machine’s dimensions, without sticking out of the back or bottom and adding weight.
The smaller of the two machines lasted a few minutes shy of five hours in my test. And the larger one lasted five hours and 21 minutes. I estimate that, in a more normal usage scenario, both machines would come close to Apple’s claim of around seven hours between charges—essentially a full workday of unplugged use. Those numbers are likely to obviate the need for spare batteries for the majority of average consumers.
There are some important caveats. I was unable to verify Apple’s claim that these sealed batteries can be fully recharged up to 1,000 times, and thus, last around five years. Second, if and when the sealed batteries do become unable to hold an adequate charge, the entire computer must be returned to Apple for a new battery. The company says that, if you do this at an Apple store, it’s a same-day process and, at least on the 13-inch model, the price of a new battery is the same as what Apple formerly charged for a new removable battery. But it’s still more of a hassle.
Also, there are users—like people who work on very long flights—for whom replaceable batteries will always be a necessity. These users will want the option, unavailable on the new Macs, to pop in an extra-strength battery.
Finally, while Apple has cut the prices of these two new laptops, they are still pricey compared with similar-sized models from other companies. The 13-inch model starts at $1,199, and the 15-inch model starts at $1,699. Like all Macs, these computers have, in my opinion, a better operating system, better built-in software and better security than their Windows competitors. But you can get competing machines for hundreds of dollars less.
In my battery test, I turn off all power-saving features, leave the Wi-Fi network on, crank up the screen to 100% brightness, and play a continuous loop of music. That maximizes some of the biggest power hogs on a laptop. In normal use, a typical owner would likely use the power-saving features, turn the screen down a bit, have Wi-Fi off some of the time, and wouldn’t be running the hard disk constantly.
Neither of my test machines used the energy-saving, but costly, solid-state drives that are slowly replacing mechanical hard disks. And my test models both used integrated graphics chips, which suck less power than the more potent discrete graphics offered on the 15-inch model.
Still, I believe that these new MacBook Pros prove that sealed batteries can result in a very good experience for average users.
Find all of Walt Mossberg’s columns and videos online, free, at the All Things Digital Web site, walt.allthingsd.com. Email mossberg@wsj.com.
Comments
You say “Also, there are users—like people who work on very long flights—for whom replaceable batteries will always be a necessity.”
Very long flights == international flights. Who would go on an overseas flight without taking an AC power supply? Since most overseas flights have AC outlets in the seatback (at least, all of the Air Canada flights I’ve been on lately do), super-long battery life isn’t really an issue.
Posted by Stewart Midwinter at June 24th, 2009 at 8:38 pmAs an owner of an original MacBook Air, I was an early adopter of a laptop with a sealed in battery. I did not encounter any issues with battery life for the year I had that computer. I’ve been using a second generation MacBook Air since March and have encountered no problems with battery life with it, either. I regularly get four or more hours of battery life with moderate usage, including having Wi-Fi on some of the time. Though my power adapter is small, I usually don’t bother to take it with me when I leave home.
Ironically, I used to be a person who always bought second batteries for my MacBook Pros and PowerBooks.
Posted by June Gordon at June 25th, 2009 at 2:19 amWhat happens if you fry your battery from something other than regular use??? I plugged my computer into the socket in a foreign country and completely fried my battery, and had to buy a new one. Luckily I could.
Posted by Jessica Chen at June 25th, 2009 at 7:17 am@Jessica Walt explained in the article what you do if you need to replace the battery: either take it to an Apple store or ship it back if you don’t live near one. But plugging in the machine to non-standard power is hardly ’standard use’ given that the typical laptop these days auto-adjusts to most common voltages.
@Walt: I would guess that most people flying long distances would also be able to take advantage of the seat chargers that are becoming more common in long haul commercial aircraft (rather than needing a second battery).
Posted by Stephen Pace at June 25th, 2009 at 8:53 amIn my own “test” the battery in the new 15″ MacBook Pro lasted 8 hrs and 15 minutes using 50% brightness, WiFi on, Bluetooth off and Energy Saver on. I played music most of the time and used the browser, email, office programs and project management software in this time. So, Apple’s claim for 7 hours is not off at all.
Most competing cheaper 15″ laptops would need approx. three batteries to run for 8 hrs and 15 mins. I am on long distance flights often, and I have never seen a single person carrying three batteries / 2 spares around.
The replacement issue should be no real issue by the time it happens. Normally it takes a year max. for third parties to come up with aftermarket batteries for Apple laptops. The battery is easily user replaceable. Just open 12 screws (10 to remove the bottom case, 2 more for the battery pack) and that’s it. Even Tim Taylor could do it in less than 15 minutes.
Posted by Uwe Rueckeshaeuser at June 25th, 2009 at 5:28 pm“Like all Macs, these computers have, in my opinion, a better operating system, better built-in software and better security than their Windows competitors. But you can get competing machines for hundreds of dollars less.”
You state unequivocally that the Macs are better machines in every way, then dock them a point because “…you can get competing machines for hundreds of dollars less.” Of course you can always buy a lesser product at a lower price! This is news to anybody?
When is the computer press going to stop punishing Apple for having the audacity to charge more for their superior products? Why should personal computers be any differently than cars or cameras or any other high-ticket consumer product?
Posted by Alan Sanders at June 25th, 2009 at 6:09 pmTwo things:
1. In my experience, the majority of airline seats, even on long flights, lack power plugs. So, while I was praising the new Apple batteries overall, I felt the long-flight scenario was a valid caveat.
2. Yes, I have written repeatedly that Apple offers a superior computing experience in many respects. But that doesn’t relieve me of my duty, especially during a massive recession, to note that people can buy similar-sized notebooks for much less. A BMW is better than a Kia, but an auto reviewer still has a duty to note that it costs a lot more.
Posted by Walt Mossberg at June 26th, 2009 at 4:26 amThank you for referencing an actual research firm which found that not a whole lot of consumers use replaceable batteries. Most people only surmise when arguing about replaceable batteries.
And to Alan: yes, a Mac costs more and I don’t think it is taking points away from Apple by mentioning it. I am willing to pay more to ensure I have an Os that doesn’t annoy the crap out of me and to ensure my computer isn’t saturated with craplets. Some people would rather save a few bucks and deal with a security-hole riddled OS that nags all the time. I can’t relate to it, but I can understand it.
Posted by K. Evan Buckley at June 26th, 2009 at 7:59 pmI just finished running the new MacBookPro 15 inch (base model) continuously with DVDs in continuous play via the discs in optical drive (more draining than if they were stored in a file in the computer), max brightness, with airport on, bluetooth off ..
Results.. a bit over 4 hours!
BTW.. I always completely drain then immediately fully recharge my battery at least once a month. Does anyone know if this is as helpful in preserving long life as I think? I know that the old “battery memory” issues are supposed to be over.. but old habits die slowly with me.
Also, does anyone know if keeping the computer plugged in for repeated uses.. therefore, never even partially draining the battery.. hurts battery performance / life?
Posted by Bill Jacques at June 27th, 2009 at 8:13 am@Bill: Apple does indeed recommend something similar, see: http://docs.info.apple.com/art...../9036.html
I read a lot of documentation about lithium polymer batteries, and I can’t really figure out why they recommend that. But they do.
Using the laptop with external power for extended periods is similar to storing a full battery. Documentation on lithium polymer batteries says. that the battery quality starts to degrade after approx. 2 months. So, as long as “repeated uses” does not mean not using the battery for more than 2 months, there should be no issue.
Posted by Uwe Rueckeshaeuser at June 27th, 2009 at 11:21 am@Walter,
Nothing wrong with using automotive analogies, but in this case it falls flat. I would challange you to show me the review of a BMW that makes any mention whatsoever of a Kia.
You don’t have to continue to point out that there are cheaper, less full-featured computers out there. We all know this, just like the man with the six figure salary knows that there are Kia’s and Hyundai’s out there, but he’s not looking for the reviewer to point that out to him when he’s doing his research to decide between BMW and Mercedes.
Posted by Steven Thomas at June 28th, 2009 at 3:30 amHere’s another way to get extra battery power into computers with built in batteries:
You make a good case in favor Apple’s move toward built in batteries — longer battery life and more robust charges versus a “convenience” of battery-swapping that most of us don’t use anyway. I’ve just purchased the Macbook Pro 13 inch and I like the increased battery power a lot.
Beyond that there is an easy (albeit pricey) way to have your cake and eat it — “HyperMac” batteries. They plug in to the computer the same way that the usual power cord does. They come in four sizes and in the mid-range they are about the size of a regular external battery. I’ve just bought and begun using one that claims to deliver about 19 hours of external power for the new 13-inch Mac. I have not yet determined how much extra power it actually delivers, but it is working, it is convenient, and it is a great way to have extra battery power even when you can’t swap internal batteries.
Posted by Bill Youngs at June 28th, 2009 at 1:48 pmI strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying the new laptop with sealed batteries first check out the store comments on removable batteries and how frequently they literally “blow up” like a pillow under considerable internal pressure and need replacement. Fortunately with the removable type it expands out the bottom of the machine. Who knows what it will do sealed internally. Pretty sad, they haven’t been able to fix this problem which I believe started in early 2007. By the way, they don’t stand behind anything if you don’t have full Apple maintenance or warranty coverage. One last point, it is a significant enough problem that their website already has a link for those who have new machines that require sealed battery replacement so it doesn’t look like they have the “blow up” problem fixed yet.
Posted by Bob Samulenok at June 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pmHey dude it was really anice blog and yes its your blog is really the true..
I also with you that first check the battery and all the things that it should be the sealed, i recommend to all person that please purchase the laptop from the big malls so you get all the thing sealed..
Compare Laptop
Posted by Nancy Fernendes at June 28th, 2009 at 11:40 pm@Bob: 1. All active exchange/repair programs by Apple are listed here: http://www.apple.com/support/e.....okpro.html – you will see that there is no battery replacement program for defective sealed batteries. The regular replacement program exists, so buyers know what an out-of-warranty replacement will cost and what the conditions are. This is no proof whatsoever for any wide-spread defect. Actually, there are pretty much zero reports on current bulging/deforming lithium-polymer battery packs. 2. When the issue originally came up in 2007, Apple did extend the free warranty covering the battery packs for another year, and if you read through the Apple Discussions forum, you will see that they still replace deformed battery packs of 2007 models free of charge, even today, long after that one-year extension expired. So, your statement that Apple does not “stand behind anything” is completely wrong.
Posted by Uwe Rueckeshaeuser at June 29th, 2009 at 10:59 amSlight tangent: I just ordered a new MacBook Pro and I will probably use it most at home. So I plan to keep it plugged in rather than let the battery run down and then recharge. I’ve heard different advice about this, which will preserve battery life the best?
Posted by mike welch at June 29th, 2009 at 12:18 pm@ steven thomas
I took up your challenge, i found a review of the Kia Amanti outscoring a BWM 5 series in crash test (we dont have Amanti in UK). I also found a UK review based on 30,000 various owners questionnaires which put the Kia Cee’d as more reliable than a VW golf and BMW Mini, shame you dont have Cee’d in US, I have a Kia Pro_Cee’d sport hatch (It’sreally rather good, I part exchanged a mercedes C for it) and a unibody Macbook 2.4ghz. I choose all my purchases on real value for money, not just cost or quality alone.
Posted by Gary Bibby at June 29th, 2009 at 3:20 pmThe auto analogy doesn’t do anything for me. Neither does the minor PC/MAC cost flame war. The Dell Adamo referenced here has similar technology incorporating an internal battery. After 30 seconds of of Google and 5 minutes of review, this does do something for me: http://www.engadget.com/2009/0.....mo-review/
Worth a read if this URL doesn’t offend the WSJ-ATD with a competitor’s review site. Consider if this review addresses this article’s lack of an honest comparison or alternative viewpoint an astute shopper would want when considering a purchase decision of similar cost products. This post is relevant as this article offers up these specific technology comparisons and also cost issues as worthy of note; an unfortunate wondering off topic in my opinion.
What I would really like to see is a full blown comparison in cost and technology between ‘like’ models of laptops, Mac vs anyone else. Case construction, Processor(s), hard drive, RAM, Port/slots, Video, maintenance plan costs/term and what is covered, internal component quality breakdowns. Even beyond to the OS: how much cost, how often updated, how frequently replaced with a new GUI. Security concerns. Include W7 and Snow Leopard. Review/compare legitimate bundled SW, and exclude the Demos. Cross reference functions like backups, ease of making WiFi connections, how much basic OS knowledge the end user needs to make (relearn) to make the computer function; the kinds of issues that would affect a TCO and the end user experience over years of ownership. Just the facts, no color commentary.
Where\when has this been done? I’ve looked long and hard but haven’t come up with anything close. Even trying to accomplish this across many blogs and various HW review sites is a frustration. Both camps provide entertaining ads and articles, but not the details.
Posted by Gerritt Dunn at July 1st, 2009 at 1:04 pmHi, I have multiple reasons to be interested in this review.
1. I’m an independent Apple engineer in the UK.
2. I’m a very long term mac user, since 1987.
3. I’m a very heavy laptop user, partly because I need it for my work and partly because since wifi got fast enough and reliable enough I use my MacBook Pro 20 times as much as I do my desktops.
I bought my MBP just over a year ago and am already on my second battery and will shortly be buying my 3rd. The cycle count on this battery is 396 and condition is now only ‘fair’ so it is, to all intents and purposes not fit for use as it will only give me about 80 mins use.
Posted by Tony Green at July 5th, 2009 at 9:22 amIf that was the case with a sealed battery I would be killing it in just over a year, that’s a very long way off the 5 years claimed by Apple.
I also travel a lot to Hong Kong and LA which means I have 12 hour flights to contend with.
Unless I fly business class, which I don’t, there is no power in the seats and even if I did, I’m not sure that the power in the seats is enough to take the 85w chargers needed for the MBPs. The Macbooks only use 65w so they wouldn’t be an issue.
I would be grateful for the extra battery power but would be forced into replacing the battery regularly, not an issue for me of course, provided I can get hold of them, but the ability to pop in an extra battery is something that I will miss… and when I used to travel with my iBook I used to carry 2 spares!
Like all generalisations there are ALWAYS going to be a number of people who fall outside them, I just happen to be one of them on this issue. There are a number of alternatives that can supply additional power but they are, quite frankly, ridiculously expensive and I wouldn’t entertain them, I’d rather watch the movies in-flight instead!