Time to shop for new laptop?

Hey all,

I am currently using a Late 2008 Macbook Aluminum C2D 2.4Ghz. Only the RAM was upgraded from 2GB -> 4GB. Otherwise everything is stock. Less than 1 year of owning my laptop, Apple replaced my user-replaceable battery free-of-charge because of a defect. Today... I'm not sure if its because of the new OS (I'm using SL), but the battery life doesn't seem to be as good anymore. Back when I was on Leopard, I can pull 4+ hours on light use. Now I'm getting a bit more than 2 hours. Looking at my battery profile --> 2.3 years old with 166 cycles at 80% original capacity --- Kinda see to see that even after babying this battery for so long that I'm already at 80% capacity. Is this normal wear???

Anyway, back to the point of this post --- I have no other issues with this notebook. Everything functions as its suppose to and I'm already satisfy with the speed. This notebook has already lasted me beyond my usual upgrade cycle (this was my first Mac!). But after using this laptop for FOUR years... I feel like its time to move on to something newer, lighter, faster, and last longer battery-wise. I thought about upgrading the HDD to SSD and replacing the battery. But that would run me over $250. Not worth it IMO... I rather sell and cut my losses sooner rather than later.

What do you guys think?

My only hesitation to make the move is...
Nonreplaceable battery in the MBA
How much can I actually get for my notebook?..

 

Your battery usage does seem pretty normal for a full two years of usage especially on the older batteries that aren't made to handle the 1000 charge cycles of the newer, non-replaceable ones. At this point, you can always buy a non-official battery (i.e. from a 3rd party) and put it in there, that would definitely save you money over buying one of Apple's batteries.

I wouldn't worry about having non-user replaceable batteries in the newer Macs. People were up in arms over them but the batteries are designed to last longer (more charge cycles) and, if you do have anything going wrong with them, you can always buy AppleCare and Apple will install a new battery for you. It isn't going to be too much of an issue until you start getting 3-4 years down the line. By then though, you will probably be looking at getting a new notebook. The current MBA would be a nice upgrade from what you are currently running, it would be an upgrade across every aspect except for display size (if you have a 15"+ MBP). The 13" MBA uses the same resolution as a standard 15" MBP, the processor in the MBA would be faster than what you have, the built-in SSD means no upgrading after the fact, it would be able to last longer on a single charge (I get about 5.5-6.5 hours out of mine depending on use), and the unit would be a lot lighter and more portable. Not only that but I think Apple has done a nice job pricing the MBA line (mainly the 13" units) competitively against other ultrabooks with the same construction quality (not plastic) and features.

After owning a 13" MBP and then switching to the MBA, I can tell you that my next Mac is going to be a MBA again especially since the specs in the 13" RMBP disappointed me. I'm not sure how much you would be able to get for you unit though. You haven't fully specified the hardware it is running (screen size, graphics, built-in HDD size, exterior condition, etc.) but you would be surprised as to how much older units pull in. Don't ask me for pricing advise though as I always tell people what I would be willing to pay for something, I normally lowball prices. There are people out there always willing to spend a lot more than me on things.

 

That's not technically true because OWC does offer SSD replacements/ugrades. You can also buy higher capacity original equipment drives from the likes of fleBay. It's also not as involved to change the drive in an Air as might be believed. Now you can debate the cost in terms of dollars and time versus simply buying the storage you need from the get-go. However, if you're tight on funds right now but would have some later on, it is possible to change out the drive on your own.

 

I meant compared to getting a standard MBP that comes equipped with an HDD such as the entry level 13" version. Comparing the two entry level models (13" MBP and 13" MBA), the each have the same starting price yet the Air already comes with SSD at 128GB instead of having to spend an additional $100 and some odd on a 120-128GB SSD to install in a 13" MBP later down the line. The SSD in the MBA can be upgraded later down the line but, if someone were to want a relatively inexpensive SSD drive, they would likely be eying a 120/128GB model and that comes standard in the MBA at the same price as an entry level 13" MBP.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll look into this soon. Probably looking to get myself the upgrade this year after graduation before working. But with news that Apple is looking to move on to ARM processors...not sure how that affects Windows compatibility. Sometime that I'll look out for. Thanks!

 

That's just a rumor and such a move would be at least 3-4 years down the road, if not longer.

 

Im voting for longer.

 

I think a SSD or perhaps Momentus XT if you need more space and a new battery will cost much less than a new laptop. Unless you need top performance, a four year old MacBook should be a capable performer. You said it yourself.

 

Hi,

incase you decide to stay with the 2008 MBP...

a replacement battery from macsales NewerTech BAP15MBU48RS NuPower 52 Watt-Hour Battery... in stock at OWC about $90+ shipping.

A new 256GB SATA III SSD would cost about $190 - $220 and that would make the laptop considerably faster.

If you wanted to add more memory you could get an 8GB kit for $50

Total is about $300 - $350 USD. I know you want a new Mac but if that doesn't fit the budget then you can still get alot more from your 2008.

Later on if you do buy a new machine, you could reutilize the SSD in any other desktop or laptop computer (except for an Air or a retina MBP).

I'm holding onto our 2008 (same exact model as yours) and 2009 MBPs rather than buying new laptops, yet. They are both now maxed at 8GB and both recently received replacement batteries. The 2009 just received a new SSD too. Basically gave these "old" dogs a new life.