said by KrK :

The argument is by the time laptop batteries become useless, the laptop is old and has already been replaced by a newer faster model and the old one is no longer carried around or used much.

That may be a valid point... However, the fact you can't change them or replace them at all is still a stupid idea.

said by russotto :

That may be a valid point... However, the fact you can't change them or replace them at all is still a stupid idea.

You can replace them. They're not welded in there. You just can't replace them easily.

said by pnjunction :

Regarding price and how you can get cheap batts for both PCs and Macs on eBay, well that will be more difficult for most once the battery is 'sealed in', won't it?

said by russotto :

You can replace them. They're not welded in there. You just can't replace them easily.

said by haroldo :

amidst all the debate on the topic, I thought I'd quote from the article that was the point of this thread

quote:

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...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...

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said by onebadmofo :

...you wouldn't have to do it for another 5 years...

said by 60529262 :

But...yes you can find long flights with power. You'll have to shell out for Apple's adapter that won't charge the battery, and the MBP may still shut down if your power consumption exceeds the pittance output by these ports.

A quickly field replaceable battery is crucial to those who use their laptop computers in critical functions away from power. Apple clearly is playing to the desktop replacement crowd with all of their offerings these days, which is fine for them I guess because that market seems to be more enamored by style than function anyway.

said by 60529262 :

This is an interesting discussion. If Apple can indeed provide 5-7 hour life under normal operation for 5 years (I doubt that last claim) then the whole argument is moot. But...yes you can find long flights with power. You'll have to shell out for Apple's adapter that won't charge the battery, and the MBP may still shut down if your power consumption exceeds the pittance output by these ports.

The bigger issue in my mind is that batteries do not read press releases or benchmark tests and often just die out of spite. I had that happen to my 2 year old MBP last weekend. If I did not have my spare, which I was able to pop in in less than 60 seconds, it would have meant no computer since I was a hundred yards from the nearest power outlet. Clients don't really appreciate paying you $135/yr while you run to the nearest Apple store (a 2 hour round trip in this case had I not been able to swap right when it happened) when you are supposed to be getting their business back in business. I would never put myself in that position and neither would anyone else who takes their job seriously.

A quickly field replaceable battery is crucial to those who use their laptop computers in critical functions away from power. Apple clearly is playing to the desktop replacement crowd with all of their offerings these days, which is fine for them I guess because that market seems to be more enamored by style than function anyway.

There are other manufacturers--Lenovo for one--who still offers what those who use their computers in the field need, and they do a damn good job of it. Apple never really had traction there so for them maybe this all makes sense. I know my next laptop won't be a MBP because of it though.