My 2008 MacBook has bitten the dust.

[47of74]

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?

[NYC_SKP]

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

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]

2. The Airs are great for travel

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

[OnyxCollie]

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

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]

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

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]

5. Echoing others. Get the battery checked.

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]

6. My macbook is 2008

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]

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

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]

8. Well to be honest

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]

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

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.