Macbook battery not being recognized?

[dan steinberg]

Hi there guys, I was hoping someone could help me with a strange problem.

My black mabook core duo (store floor model bought a couple of monthd ago) has stopped recognizing its battery. There is a black X inside the battery graphic at the top of the screen, and if I yank the power adapter the computer shuts off. I also checked the battery and the little green charging lights are not being illuminated.

I tried re-seating the battery, all the contacts look clean and alligned properly. I also tried resetting the "PMY" according to apple's web page, no dice.

Any advice before I head to the apple store and try my machine with one of their batteries?

And IF it is just the battery and not the laptop that's the issue, can I convince Apple to just ship me a new battery (or give me one at the store) and not make me send the machine in? The laptop works just fine with the power adapter, so if it's just the battery itself, there's no good reason for me to be without the machine for 3-4 days.

Thanks!

[BigGuynRusty]

[quote dan steinberg]And IF it is just the battery and not the laptop that's the issue, can I convince Apple to just ship me a new battery (or give me one at the store) and not make me send the machine in? The laptop works just fine with the power adapter, so if it's just the battery itself, there's no good reason for me to be without the machine for 3-4 days.

Thanks!
Never had to send in the laptop for just the battery.
They take your CC info, send you a battery and you have 15 days or so to send in the old one before being charged.

BGnR
I hope it is the battery, most likely not.

[mattkime]

>>Any advice before I head to the apple store and try my machine with one of their batteries?

Sorry man, you know what you're doing.

[modelamac]

That happened to my MacBook shortly after I got it in July 06. Made an appointment online with the local Apple Store Genius bar. Took the MB in. Tested and found bad battery. Walked out 10 minutes later with a new battery installed, free.

All is well now.

[dan steinberg]

Yup, it was the battery, not the machine, and I was able to walk out with a new one under warranty. So all's well.

Of course, my luck only runs so far (or maybe I should learn to call and check first). I went to the Pentagon city store and they were completely out of replacement batteries. They had plenty of ones for sale, but could not or would not transfer one to service inventory to help out the customer. I then had to drive to the Clarendon store, which had plenty.

I still love macs, but the quality control, for me anyway, is a concern these past few years. I am now "3 for 3" on problems with refurb laptops. The Powerbook G4/400 had a faulty screen upon mail delivery. The Powerbook G4/1.25Ghz had a fault where the fan was on full blast 24/7, then later in its life the logic board failed. And now this latest one's battery died within 1 month., Aargh!