New to forum - pretty new to Apple

[oakridge]

Hello, first post; been looking for weeks but can't find an answer regarding battery life. Probably simple but would like to know for sure. August 2010 purchased MacboookPro 13" (first apple product and loved it! I now have iphone & ipad :)

New, I got a full 10 hours at 100% charge, stayed this way till early 2012 when the screen cracked and had to be replaced. Since then, the battery life
is erratic although they said there was no relation. At 100% charge it will show 5hr (+-) but within minutes it starts dropping - sometimes bounces around. This morning it has dropped from 100% to 60% in less than 1.5hr. Light use, screen and keyboard optimal brightness, use till I get the reserve power warning. Is this normal wear for a 2yr old battery? Big question - if I buy a new battery, will it have the original battery life or does the age of the MBP change that? Everything original, OS X 10.6.8, SnowLeopard. Passed on a new 15" this year due to the shorter battery life they have. Thanks for helping. Just not sure whether to spend the money or not.

Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 4582
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 4955
Health Information:
Cycle count: 351
Condition: Normal
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): -933
Voltage (mV): 12093

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[JezzerP]

Have you calibrated the battery recently? Whilst this won't actually improve the life of your battery, it may give you a more accurate reading on how much battery charge is available. There are step by step instructions on the Apple Support site here :

Apple Portables: Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance

[oakridge]

Thanks much. I have read on Apple's site that this model does not require calibration, something to do with it being non-removeable? So I've not done that, I could go through the steps anyway if it's OK.

[JezzerP]

Thanks much. I have read on Apple's site that this model does not require calibration, something to do with it being non-removeable? So I've not done that, I could go through the steps anyway if it's OK.

Mmm...I had not noticed that!! Should read what I suggest before suggesting it, but I'm sure that advice has changed recently. Anyway, no, it's not going to do your MBP any harm what so ever. Failing that, you should be able to get an Apple Store or a reputable reseller to run some diagnostics on your laptop and see if the battery is on it's way out.

[oakridge]

Thanks, I'll try that. Local authorized Apple dealer charges $50 an hour - which starts about the time you walk in the door :) They charge to look at your computer - no free testing.

[oakridge]

If calibrating is just letting the battery run out, then recharging - I do that every week or so :) I've already gone through all the usual tips to save battery life so guess I'll have to get a new one as I don't like having to watch it/or stay near the charger. Thanks.