“Due to its ultra-thin profile, Apple’s new MacBook Air was designed with an integrated 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery that is not user-replaceable [but] the replacement process is quite trivial,” Kasper Jade reports for AppleInsider.
“According to people familiar with the new-generation notebook, there are no special tools or knowledge required to swap out the MacBook Air’s battery,” Jade reports. “Instead, the process requires a single size-0 type philips screwdriver and some diligence.”
“Once flipped upside down, the MacBook Air’s bottom cover is easily unscrewed and removed, providing immediate access to the battery cavity. From there, the battery can be unscrewed from the chassis with the same screwdriver and unplugged from the circuit board with a simple tug — it’s not soldered to the board,” Jade reports. “The entire process, according to those in the know, can be completed by any service technician in as little as three minutes.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “bob” for the heads up.]
MacDailyNews Note: As a side note, for those times when you need it, third-party sources such as Batterygeek.net offer external battery packs for Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro which offer anywhere from 3 to 20+ hours of additional runtime per charge. These third-party suppliers are not just going to randomly decide to ignore MacBook Air. Patience, Padawans. MacBook Air was just unveiled on Tuesday.
Other items of interest — or what we like to call “Whiner Silencers” — that Apple already offers for MacBook Air:
• MagSafe Airline Adapter: $49. Just plug it into your airline seat power port and keep your MacBook Air powered up for the entire flight.
• Ethernet Adapter: $29. Connects to the USB 2.0 port of your MacBook Air and provides an RJ-45 connector that supports 10/100BASE-T performance.
• Modem: $49. Connects to the USB port on your MacBook Air.
• MacBook Air SuperDrive: $99: Compact external MacBook Air SuperDrive connects to your MacBook Air via USB and fits easily into a travel bag. Read and write CDs and DVDs, including double-layer DVDs.
Other things MacBook Air road warriors might consider (besides canceling their chiropractic appointments): USB EVDO Modem for wireless broadband, USB Travel Hub for multiple devices, and other such items.
This option is not for people who carry a second battery, however. I don’t know why someone would want to, mind you.
Maybe people will stop crying about the battery now. Sheesh.
“Maybe people will stop crying . . .”
Never underestimate the steady flow of whine.
The whining will be about having to find the right Phillips screwdriver and that it’s not included…
… and glossy screens because obviously glossy screens have hindered Mac sales.
I’m surprised people are crying so much about the battery and not lack of optical drive or small HD. (which I cant figure out… If the MBA has the same HD as an ipod why not give it a 160gb option?)
IMO the battery isn’t a big deal at all.
ApplePi, I carry a second battery when flying. Otherwise, I must conduct the usual search for an outlet during layovers to recharge what’s in there. If you live in an area with the potential to lose power for maybe several days, an extra battery can also provide just that much extra work time.
3 minutes? Big freakin’ deal. No special tools? Whatever.
I can build my own PC and customize it any way I want. I don’t have to be locked into Apple’s proprietary system. I can install whatever graphics card I feel like and I can replace it at any time. I can pick whatever flavor of awesome Windows Vista I want, and I save money too. Hey MAC sheep, it’s a little thing us Windows enthusiasts like to call ‘choice’. Losers.
Your potential. Our passion.™
Okay, Zune Tang, that time I actually laughed at one of your posts. I knew it would be a small matter to replace the battery if it ever needed it.
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Hey Tang, go eat zune!
While you’re getting all of your fancy customizations working together, we Mac losers are actually getting work done. Yes, real work. Not gaming. Oh, you like to play games? We can do that too, since Macs run Windows faster than most PCs do.
Tom: If the MBA has the same HD as an ipod why not give it a 160gb option?
Because even the 160GB iPod is thicker than the 80GB one. The 160GB HD apparently just doesn’t fit in there.
I would expect, though, that the SSD capacities will continue to grow and the price come down. As long as the newer ones still have PATA, it should even be possible to ugrade the MBA.
So I forget: is Zune Tang® the real Zune Tang, or is it the other one? Nothing clever and lovable about that one.
MacGyver could do it one minute with a rubber band, a piece of gum and a paper clip and turn the MBA into a small nuclear device.
I built a PC two decades ago.
Should have called it the Halon. SOB caught on fire.
Running DOS. 8088. Pure dogmeat.
@ Ampar,
When did MacGyber go all terrorist on us? Did I miss that episode?
To MacDave: He just uses WMDs for good. That’s why he was never invaded.
“Running DOS. 8088. Pure dogmeat.”
A high tech device made of Schnauzer will burn if it’s not grounded correctly. Always make sure that you have properly screwed the pooch.
Ampar – close. Check out the latest “Joy of Tech”.
Peace.
That’s funny, Lurker_PC! Thanks!
Personally, I am stunned and shocked that Steve would allow such tackiness as exposed screws on this machine. :O
At least it has the breathing sleep light I so miss on my AL iMac.
quick, someone call whine-1-1 for a whambulance.
From what I’ve seen in dissecting the macbook air, this is definitely true. The only thing I would caution is that the screws are angled in, and the battery is an integral part of the structure of the unit.
I’m having some lovely whine with my lady…
..Merlot, 1992. Beautiful.
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Ampar: Could have been those dog-eared connectors.
@ Jamie
“1992. Beautiful.”
The wine, or the lady?
@Hg Wells: True that… I’d imagine there will be third party plug in batteries that connect to the mag-safe outlet… but then again… isn’t that proprietary?
Hmmm If whe was born in 1992, I’ll bet there are some states she where would be jail bait.
Anyone that needs to lug all of that crap around would be better suited with a MBP.
my proof reading sucks!
@Jamie,
I’m having some lovely whine with my lady…..Merlot, 1992. Beautiful.
I’m having some old whine with my witch….Merlin 700 AD, Ugh!!
maybe a little whine sharing will make your dogmeat snappier!
MW word, “speak”
yawn, come on, some body bitch about he battery again!
Zunie, where are you when we need a laugh?
Well,
I suspect the battery was designed not to be user servicable AND cost the same as a user servicable battery for any other mac b/c Apple will control ewaste better. How many folks replace a battery and dispose of properly?
“dog-eared connectors”
Yeah, that could be rough. But it doesn’t mutter. You have a new leash on life now.
Hmmmmmmmmmm, if my lady was born in 1992, she’d be 16 and it’s legal in my country, so I fail to see the humour.
But, I was actually talking about the red wine I was drinking with my lovely lady who turn 30 this year.
And my lady is like a fine wine – she only gets better with age.
Peace & Love.
How can you tell when a plane load of tech journalists / bloggers has arrived at the airport?
Easy … When the engines of the plane are shut down, you can still hear the whining!
Jamie,
I’ll bet you’re a real corker.
ROFL!!! Well said Skylark!
Here I thought the world was done with the boorish Zune Tangy. At least we know he still breathes.
“At least we know he still breathes.”
Zombies don’t breathe.
Sorry Z.T., couldn’t help myself.
I would get the USB EVDO modem for anywhere connectivity. A USB 4GB stick for the PC Weenies who can’t figure out how to do file sharing with their WiFi or BT so that I can send them large files. There done.
I just love how Apple on it’s website has the apple symbol on the MBA keyboard, and on the Macworld photos provided by MDN has it without it.
what’s up Apple I loved the apple symbol on the keyboard
Ethernet Adapter: $29
Modem: $49
MacBook Air SuperDrive: $99
MDN:
Don’t all these extras, accessories, and dongles:
(i) mean carrying around more stuff; and defeat the intended purpose of the ease, convenience, and portability of MacBook Air?
(ii) increase the risk of losing more stuff because they are not physically designed into MacBook Air?
(iii) require users forking over more cash because they are not designed into MacBook Air?
(iv) add to the weight of lugging around yer MacBook Air defeat the intended purpose of the super thin portability of MacBook Air?
Jus’ askin’.
3 minutes? Big freakin’ deal. No special tools? Whatever.
I can build my own Mac and customize it any way I want. I don’t have to be locked into Microsofts proprietary system. I can install whatever graphics card I feel like and I can replace it at any time. I can pick whatever flavor of awesome Mac Leopard I want, and I save money too. Hey PC sheep, it’s a little thing us MAC enthusiasts like to call ‘choice’. Losers.
Your potential. Our Blunder™
I think Toshiba will soon (if not already) have a 100GB drive to fit into the available “thin” space. It’s remarkable that the two-platter 160GB drive won’t fit in there, when it fits in an iPod. The MacBook Air is REALLY thin.
I can definitely see making a MacBook Air my only computer. When using it at my desk, I would simply plug in a powered USB hub (already connected to mouse, keyboard, and printer), connector for a DVI display, powered-speaker plug, and power. A third party (like BookEndz) should make a one-piece connector for the right side. Everything else, including extra storage, can be wireless. When I leave my desk with the MacBook Air, I will not need to take anything else, other than maybe the power supply (if leaving for more than a few hours).
Where’s the serial number?
Where’s the serial number?
On the side of the box. Oh, serial no.
I haven’t seen any bona fide videos of anyone actually changing a MacBook Air battery in three minutes.
Phred –
The Modem and Ethernet Adapter (if same weight as the modem) are both lighter than air and shold not be a problem…
The SuperDuperDrive will be made of Swiss cheese and Ham so it can sandwich between the MBA and you nifty new carrying envelope!
No worries and it goes well with your whine!
I prefer a Shiraz 1972 but you go with Silicon Valley 2008 – it will have just the right after taste!
MacBook Air SuperDrive: $99
I’m waiting for this to come out and for someone to test this to see if it will work on any MacBook or iBook even. Some people opted for the cheaper drives, and then later wished they had a superdrive so they could burn DVDs. $99 seems cheap.
I carry around an Airport Express, for those hotels that haven’t gone wifi.
Some love to cry with a beer and a PC in front of them !
the number you seek is in the “about this mac” pull down under the apple in the menu bar.
Maybe people will stop crying . . .”
Never underestimate the steady flow of whine.
Hey, Ampar, demonstrate yer Mac prowess and post yer video of you actually changing a MacBook Air battery in three minutes.
C’mon, Amp, yer a Mac pro, right? A veritable Mac genius. You can replace a MacBok Air battery in three measly minutes, right? No sweat, right?
You did imply that changing a MacBook Air battery is easy enough for any Mac fanboi to accomplish, right?
Well, what’s stopping you, Amp? Where’s you video? Waiting…..
Phred,
I’ll bet you that Ampar can change a MacBook Air battery faster than your mommy can change your dirty diaper. Wanna take my bet punk? Well do ya?
LardAss1776:
Considering that Apple is ONLY currently taking pre-orders for MacBook Air and has not shipped any MacBook Airs how the hell does Ampar KNOW how many minutes is needed to replace the battery?
Of course, Ampar could be best buds with Steve Jobs and received his Macbook Air weeks ago. Care to post a few photos of yer lil computer, Ampar? That would be special.
Well, which is it, LardAss1776? Is Ampar lying or not? And why are you defending him if he is such a scurrilous liar? Any why hasn’t Ampar risen to the challenge? Could it be he’s too ashamed to admit his blunder? Hmmm?
Pathetic, fanbois, I suppose that if reality disturbs yer fragile insecurities ya gotta invent yer own fantasy world.
Found a link for another of Apple’s horribly failed products where the comments made are a lot like the complaints about the MBA:
http://apple.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=01/10/23/1816257&tid=107
OpJ:
Found a link for another of Apple’s horribly failed products where the comments made are a lot like the complaints about the MBA:
How so? I’d love to read yer explanation!
I sure wish Ol’ Grandaddy Walt would jus’ publish his glowing review and make the world all better again.
Ya know, OpJ, I’ll bet ya never heard of Newton, Lisa or Mac Cube, or remember Motorola ROKR. Even Steve Jobs can make a mistake now and again.
Phred,
I don’t understand what you are getting so worked up about. Ampar simply made a quip referring to the post above him. He made no statement about the reality of the three minute battery swap. Your ‘throwing down the gauntlet’ challenge was mean spirited and uncalled for.
I defended him because I, the same as most people here, like Ampar. And no, he wasn’t lying, because nothing he said could possibly be construed as a lie. You seem to come here under the guise of freedom of speech simply to start fights.
I think most of us come here for a little fun and entertainment. We don’t come here expecting to experience life altering enlightenment, or only to discourse on the highest intellectual subjects.
Let’s try to keep it at a modicum of civility.
LardAss1776 – Over and out.
“Where’s you video?”
Where’s you sense of humor?
You are a bully and there is something seriously wrong with you.
MDN: Apple’s MacBook Air battery can be replaced in three minutes No doubt about it, eh?
ApplePi wrote, “This option is not for people who carry a second battery, however. I don’t know why someone would want to, mind you.” Yep, MDN, it can be done.
macdaddy added, “Maybe people will stop crying about the battery now. Sheesh.” Obviously, it can be done!
Ampar concurred. “Maybe people will stop crying . . .” Never underestimate the steady flow of whine.” Couldn’t agree with ya more, bro.
Lard Ass1776:
If Ampar et al had any doubts or concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the post these dedicated fanbois would have sounded the alarm, right? They would have set the story straight, right? They would have demanded a correction, right?
It is obvious, all three persons confidently claim or affirm that they either KNEW of the precise time required to change a battery or BELIEVED that battery maintenance was a quick and effortless process. Ampar et al are either gullible lil fanbois who believe the authenticity of the post without the slightest empirical evidence to support assertions of the ease of maintenance, or have lied about their actual experiences of replacing or witnessing replacement of a MacBook Air battery.
Patheic fanbois.
Ampar:
“Where’s you video?”
Where’s you sense of humor?
Where’s yer video? (Happy now?)
Now, where’s yer veracity, Amp?
Where’s your heuvos, Amp? How come LardAss feels the need to chime in on yer behalf? Do you really need his service? Did you request his assistance?
To Phred:
Adrian Cronauer: “You are in more dire need of a blowjob than any white man in history.”
Please STFU, Phred. You’re an asshole devoid of a sense of humor and you’re embarrassing yourself.
And for the record, I DON’T CARE about the MBA battery.
I was just making a joke, you stupid freak.
Amp:
How will I ever know when yer jus’ joshin’ or when yer actually soberly serious?
I have an idea. Put a little disclaimer with every thread. Por ejemplo, “My name is Amp and this thread of mine is a complete joke.” Or, we can simply assume that every thread that you submit is a complete joke unless you add. “And I’m really, really serious now, really. Yeah, I’m damn serious.”
What do ya think, Amp? P.S. Don’t ferget yer disclaimer!
Amp:
What can I say, you have to borrow a line of dubious authenticity from a Hollywood film ’cause you can’t think of a rejoinder yerself. How derivative, how unoriginal, how fitting.
No, I think yer embarrassed Amp. Besides yer opinion ain’t exactly worth anything to me, fanboi.
Go away, Phred.
Amp, Amp, Amp. (Insert finger snapping in yer face, Amp.)
You fergot yer disclaimer, fanboi. I know that it requires greater effort on yer part to tap more keys on yer keyboard, so I’ll go with the notion that every thread of yer’s is a joke and you will add a disclaimer when yer “damn serious”. OK?
Go away, Phred. Seriously.
Very good, Amp, very submissive of you. However, I never concede to fanboi requests. Too much a self-willed individualist, ya know. Remember, yer opinion is also not held in high regard.
Catch ya later, Amp.
“Remember, yer opinion is also not held in high regard.”
No one cares what you think.
Go away, Phred. Seriously.
How’s it make ya feel when people ignore and dismiss you, Amp?
If you don’t care what I think, why are you so compelled to respond, fanboi?
From the article: “. . . third parties could also offer in-home do-it-yourself kits should they be able to acquire battery cells that meet Apple’s standard for the MacBook Air.”
This could be quite a profitable market just like the third party iPod battery replacement service. Very nice.
Aw, the heck with batteries. I say we need those fuel cells everyone seems to have forgotten about. Just strap a 10 gallon tank of methanol on your back with a line running into your MacBook Meth and go for months without having to worry about it.
Of course, I’m sure the airlines and our Homeland Security will put up a fuss over it. Bunch of scaredy-cats.
From the article: “. . . third parties could also offer in-home do-it-yourself kits should they be able to acquire battery cells that meet Apple’s standard for the MacBook Air.”
Seriously, Amp? That’s a lot of “ifs”, “maybes”, and general uncertainties. Have you pre-ordered your own MBA?
Are you now dismissing the inherent problems of MBA battery replacement? You seemed so confident before, dude. What’s changed?
1. No one is going to open their MBA and violate the warranty except under the most dire circumstances. Feeling lucky?
2. If one chooses to deliver or ship their MBA to Apple or a third-party service center to replace the battery this introduces a level of inconvenience that many may consider unnecessarily intrusive. No MacBook or MacBook Pro comes equipped with this level of designed inconvenience.
3. I found NO third-party battery replacement kits advertised or available for pre-order. Can’t use what doesn’t exist.
4. If a user chooses a battery not approved by Apple you could very well place your warranty and MBA in peril. Install at yer own risk.
5. No one has yet demonstrated how many minutes it actually takes to replace the battery. Any statements of replacement times not originating from Apple are pure BS.
6. I found no published instructions for replacing the battery for the MBA. If anyone opens a MBA without proper instructions they demonstrate that they have no common sense.
7. When Apple introduces MacBooks and MacBook Pros with multi-touch keypads, LED monitors, faster processors, larger hard drives, integral SuperDrives, and greater functionality will you feel just a little remorseful? I doubt that 2.4 pounds weight savings would be or should be so frickin’ expensive, you?
Personally, Amp, I would lean toward MBA if it cost no more than $1,000. I am needing some post-marketing surveillance of MBA’s reliability and ruggedness. I’m not into impulse buying, especially of untried products.
LorD1776: “Just strap a 10 gallon tank of methanol on your back . . .”
Or just generate your own methane. That would liven up staff meetings.
LorD1776:
Well, Einstein, how thin are these fuel cells, what are their volumes, and will they fit aesthetically in MBAs? Hmmm, that’s an engineering question, right?
Also, what do you know about nonflammable and non-caustic fuels for fuel cells? Apparently, not much if the only fuel you are aware of in development is methanol.
When will Apple introduce fuel cells for notebooks? Macworld Expo 2009? Oh, that’s right, you don’t know.
What was yer point?
I’m reminded of McMurphy in ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’.
Mmmmm, Juicy Fruit.
Hey Phred, you really aren’t too bright, just repetitive, like a parrot.
Phred the Parrot.
Yeah, that works.
Now piss off.
Big Harry:
No.