Buying Guide for Apple Laptop Batteries

You don't have to buy replacement Apple laptop batteries from Apple. In fact, you could save money on a completely compatible and 100% reliable replacement battery for your Mac if you buy it from a secondary retailer. Just make sure it's labeled for your MacBook, PowerBook, or iBook and meets your current battery specs.

How to Find the Right Mac Laptop Battery

Before you start shopping for a replacement battery, you'll need to get some information from your laptop:

• Battery part number (available on the battery case)
• Battery chemistry (Li-ion, Ni-MH, Ni-CD)
• Battery voltage
• Battery amperage (mAh)
• Battery connector type
• Battery dimensions.

If possible, remove the battery from your laptop and have it in front of you while shopping for its replacement. Visit a few dealers to compare prices and specs. Most offer simple click-through menus or search boxes to help you find the right battery for your Apple laptop model.

In addition to comparing the chemistry, voltage, amperage, and part number, you should also look for a picture of the battery on the site. If one is available, compare the dimensions and connector locations. Although there may be variations in color and labeling from your current battery, the size, shape, and connections must be identical.

How to Choose an Apple Laptop Battery Dealer

Before you make a purchase, consider a few other factors. It's crucial that you find a dealer you can trust. Although most replacement batteries work perfectly, batteries occasionally malfunction. Your dealer should be willing to correct it, and should make it easy for you to contact them. Before buying, review the following policies on their site:

Warranty and guarantee: The site should offer a one-year warranty and a quality guarantee. A 90-day warranty probably means it's a refurbished battery. Refurbished batteries typically offer much shorter life spans, and may not work properly with your laptop. Although they're cheap, the risk isn't worth it. New batteries: In addition to a warranty of more than 90 days, the site should clearly label the laptop batteries as "new." If it doesn't say, it might not be. Return policy: Hopefully you won't have to return the battery, but the dealer should make the process simple and convenient if you do. A dealer that refuses to accept returns, or makes you jump through hoops, might not be a reputable dealer. Phone number and address: The dealer's phone number and address should be clearly listed on the site. If you're nervous about the site, call the number and ask questions about the battery. At the very least, you need to be able to contact someone by phone or mail if you have a problem. Email alone isn't sufficient. Price: Don't buy the cheapest battery you find - often cheap batteries are of poor quality, and may be refurbished. The most expensive battery may not provide additional quality, though. Look for a reputable dealer with a reasonable price to get the best savings and quality.

Your Apple laptop was expensive. If you want to keep it running in good condition, shop carefully before buying your replacement laptop battery. The extra time it takes may save you money in the long-run.