Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
On 09-12-2011 13:37, isw wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Can you be sure the one from eBay is not for sale because it too is tired and the seller bought a new one?
In article j4mesi$85f$2@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-12-2011 13:37, isw wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Can you be sure the one from eBay is not for sale because it too is tired and the seller bought a new one?
Now, see, I asked for opinions from folks who have actually used them. Didn't you read that part?
Isaac
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
Isaac
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
On Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:54:34 -0400, isw wrote (in article <isw-775853.20543412092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>):
In article j4mesi$85f$2@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-12-2011 13:37, isw wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Can you be sure the one from eBay is not for sale because it too is tired and the seller bought a new one?
Now, see, I asked for opinions from folks who have actually used them. Didn't you read that part?
Isaac
Give him a break. How do you expect anyone know which battery you are looking at on ebay so that they can tell you if they have actually used one?
I am interested in this question also but I expect there is not a cheap solution.
In article 0001HW.CA9499AE011BB897B02919BF@redacted.invalid, Nelson nelson@redacted.invalid wrote:
On Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:54:34 -0400, isw wrote (in article <isw-775853.20543412092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>):
In article j4mesi$85f$2@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-12-2011 13:37, isw wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Have you thought to heat the battery you have up a bit, it gives them a bit of oomph, I used to do this with torch batteries when I was a kid. People with laptops sometimes use those fan bases to keep them cool, but perhaps a hot water bottle might be useful sometimes. It can be a talking point in a cafe, you could score a curious pretty girl or a handsome man by means of it. Do yourself a favour, consider it.
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I bought one here:
http://www.ca-global-batteries.ca/laptop-batteries-apple-p-4682.html
if you're in Canada. Works just fine.
In article 1728513092337586260.903869jollyroger-pobox.com@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
Isaac
In article dorayme-354A53.19580213092011@redacted.invalid, dorayme dorayme@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 0001HW.CA9499AE011BB897B02919BF@redacted.invalid, Nelson nelson@redacted.invalid wrote:
On Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:54:34 -0400, isw wrote (in article <isw-775853.20543412092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>):
In article j4mesi$85f$2@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-12-2011 13:37, isw wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Have you thought to heat the battery you have up a bit, it gives them a bit of oomph, I used to do this with torch batteries when I was a kid.
Considering the energy density of contemporary lithium-based laptop batteries, I don't think that's a very wise course of action.
Isaac
On Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:00:55 -0400, isw wrote (in article <isw-669283.10005513092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>):
In article dorayme-354A53.19580213092011@redacted.invalid, dorayme dorayme@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 0001HW.CA9499AE011BB897B02919BF@redacted.invalid, Nelson nelson@redacted.invalid wrote:
On Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:54:34 -0400, isw wrote (in article <isw-775853.20543412092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>):
In article j4mesi$85f$2@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-12-2011 13:37, isw wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Have you thought to heat the battery you have up a bit, it gives them a bit of oomph, I used to do this with torch batteries when I was a kid.
Considering the energy density of contemporary lithium-based laptop batteries, I don't think that's a very wise course of action.
Isaac
I killfiled Dora the Dim a while back when it ceased to be amusing and became merely tedious. Dora the Dim might, just might, be marginally bright enough to not actually heat up a lithium-ion battery itself, but is undoubtably dim enough to find the idea of someone else doing so funny. Which says all that need be said about Dora the Dim.
On 11-09-13 4:58 AM, dorayme wrote:
Have you thought to heat the battery you have up a bit, it gives them a bit of oomph,
A "bit of oomph" is a bit of an understatement. I don't know if you are trying to be funny here, but there may well be people who may "try that at home".
These batteries can be very very explosive.
For your amusement:
http://xkcd.com/651/
Cheers,
-j
In article <isw-728D66.09580813092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1728513092337586260.903869jollyroger-pobox.com@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
Isaac
Well, in that respect, I have purchased batteries that were cheaper than Apple's offerings, and those batteries have not been as good. Take from that what you will.
In article 9d9pkfF97fU1@redacted.invalid, Jeffrey Goldberg nobody@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 11-09-13 4:58 AM, dorayme wrote:
Have you thought to heat the battery you have up a bit, it gives them a bit of oomph,
A "bit of oomph" is a bit of an understatement. I don't know if you are trying to be funny here, but there may well be people who may "try that at home".
OK, they shouldn't, and I hope they don't, it never occurred to me that anyone would take the slightest notice of anything I say.
On 11-09-13 5:40 PM, dorayme wrote:
it never occurred to me that anyone would take the slightest notice of anything I say.
I admit it is unlikely, but there are always newcomers.
Cheers,
-j
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
It really depends. I bought a third party composite video cable for my iPod Classic for $8 from eBay. Works great. Apple's offering for the same thing was $50.
OTOH, my car dealer's service counter has a pair of oil filters cut up so that you can see the cross section. One is the manufacturer's filter available only at the dealer, and one is from FRAM, which is what most other garages use. After seeing that, never again will I use anything but the dealer's filter.
I think that's why the OP wanted to hear from people with actual experience. Generic "you get what you pay for" isn't very helpful.
On 9/13/11 5:40 PM, in article dorayme-0989C7.08402214092011@redacted.invalid, "dorayme" dorayme@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 9d9pkfF97fU1@redacted.invalid, Jeffrey Goldberg nobody@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 11-09-13 4:58 AM, dorayme wrote:
Have you thought to heat the battery you have up a bit, it gives them a bit of oomph,
A "bit of oomph" is a bit of an understatement. I don't know if you are trying to be funny here, but there may well be people who may "try that at home".
OK, they shouldn't, and I hope they don't, it never occurred to me that anyone would take the slightest notice of anything I say.
You must be proud!
On 09-13-2011 18:40, dorayme wrote:
OK, they shouldn't, and I hope they don't, it never occurred to me that anyone would take the slightest notice of anything I say.
When I was teaching electronics, I often made up the same sort of silly joking answer when asked a question. I thought the asker would be amused, and then go look it up. They all had the tech manuals and had been taught how to use them.
But eventually I learned that many students (and unfortunately, occasionally a fellow instructor) actually thought I was serious and believed the nonsense. Not something you want to happen with the maintenance of military equipment.
Or with anything that could be dangerous..
In article j4or86$6gm$1@redacted.invalid, me@redacted.invalid (Király) wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
It really depends. I bought a third party composite video cable for my iPod Classic for $8 from eBay. Works great. Apple's offering for the same thing was $50.
OTOH, my car dealer's service counter has a pair of oil filters cut up so that you can see the cross section. One is the manufacturer's filter available only at the dealer, and one is from FRAM, which is what most other garages use. After seeing that, never again will I use anything but the dealer's filter.
Not saying that the "Brand Name" one isn't superior in some way, but the thing to wonder is, if you use the expensive one, how much will the usable lifetime of the vehicle be increased/how much more will you get for it when you sell it?
My guess is, not enough to notice.
Isaac
In article jollyroger-E570C9.15451313092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-728D66.09580813092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1728513092337586260.903869jollyroger-pobox.com@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
Isaac
Well, in that respect, I have purchased batteries that were cheaper than Apple's offerings, and those batteries have not been as good. Take from that what you will.
If you forgive me, I'd like to bore in a bit more.
So it's not as "good"; I wouldn't be surprised. But for example, if it lasts half as long and costs only a third as much, it still could be a bargain. And it it lasts three-quarters of the time an Apple battery would, it's a really good deal.
Could you elaborate on "not as good"?
Isaac
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Not saying that the "Brand Name" one isn't superior in some way, but the thing to wonder is, if you use the expensive one, how much will the usable lifetime of the vehicle be increased/how much more will you get for it when you sell it?
My guess is, not enough to notice.
Well, around here, "100% dealer serviced" with the records to prove it is always adds value to a used car.
In article 9da8qiF3ofU1@redacted.invalid, Jeffrey Goldberg nobody@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 11-09-13 5:40 PM, dorayme wrote:
it never occurred to me that anyone would take the slightest notice of anything I say.
I admit it is unlikely, but there are always newcomers.
Yes, and I admit it was a mistake. A newcomer might be from that 40% of Americans who believe in the literal creation of the world by God just a few thousand years back or God knows how many stupid xenophobic Australians who are scared of the small numbers of unauthorised boat arrivals of asylum seekers we have been having. Such newcomers are too likely to go buy a water bottle and fill it with warm or hot water and sit their $1500 to $2000 Mac Pro or Airs on top of it.
In article j4p00h$6t8$1@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-13-2011 18:40, dorayme wrote:
OK, they shouldn't, and I hope they don't, it never occurred to me that anyone would take the slightest notice of anything I say.
When I was teaching electronics, I often made up the same sort of silly joking answer when asked a question. I thought the asker would be amused, and then go look it up. They all had the tech manuals and had been taught how to use them.
But eventually I learned that many students (and unfortunately, occasionally a fellow instructor) actually thought I was serious and believed the nonsense. Not something you want to happen with the maintenance of military equipment.
Or with anything that could be dangerous..
Yes, it was a mistake of mine (laptop batteries, fire, explosion, has been in the news even... come to think of it). What can I do to make it up to you all? I have started writing out lines long hand, will post them on a webpage when I can.
In article CA9566DB.77BC6%ghost_topper@redacted.invalid, George Kerby ghost_topper@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 9/13/11 5:40 PM, in article dorayme-0989C7.08402214092011@redacted.invalid, "dorayme" dorayme@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 9d9pkfF97fU1@redacted.invalid, Jeffrey Goldberg nobody@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 11-09-13 4:58 AM, dorayme wrote:
Have you thought to heat the battery you have up a bit, it gives them a bit of oomph,
A "bit of oomph" is a bit of an understatement. I don't know if you are trying to be funny here, but there may well be people who may "try that at home".
OK, they shouldn't, and I hope they don't, it never occurred to me that anyone would take the slightest notice of anything I say.
You must be proud!
No, I am deeply ashamed. I was even thinking that Apple should make iHotWaterBottles for the purpose and now this thought shames me even more.
Talking batteries, could not get the garage door to open with the clicker today. The little 12v battery inside gave out but being 12v, I adapted the cigarette lighter to deliver the needed power. A use at last for that thing!
Would anyone care to discuss this? Or will I just email Michelle's rabbit about the matter?
In message <isw-3455C5.20533113092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]> isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
So it's not as "good"; I wouldn't be surprised. But for example, if it lasts half as long and costs only a third as much, it still could be a bargain. And it it lasts three-quarters of the time an Apple battery would, it's a really good deal.
Hm.. I disagree. A battery that gives 3 hours of charge is a LOT worse than a battery that gives 4 hours of charge. The longer the battery lasts, the worse deal 75% becomes (8 hours versus 6? No way, I'd pay triple for 8 hours).
In article <isw-3455C5.20533113092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-E570C9.15451313092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-728D66.09580813092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1728513092337586260.903869jollyroger-pobox.com@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-FED146.10370612092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Looking for opinions from folks who have actually used them as to the reasonableness of replacing my tired MacBook battery with an inexpensive one (ca. US $30) from eBay.
Isaac
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
Isaac
Well, in that respect, I have purchased batteries that were cheaper than Apple's offerings, and those batteries have not been as good. Take from that what you will.
If you forgive me, I'd like to bore in a bit more.
So it's not as "good"; I wouldn't be surprised. But for example, if it lasts half as long and costs only a third as much, it still could be a bargain. And it it lasts three-quarters of the time an Apple battery would, it's a really good deal.
Could you elaborate on "not as good"?
Isaac
I purchased a replacement battery from FastMac for $30 less than what Apple charges for theirs. The first one failed within a year of the day I bought it. I got that one exchanged under warranty. The second one crapped out just over a year later, and was therefore out of warranty. I have Apple batteries that have lasted over 3 years in comparison. I haven't had my OWC battery 3 years yet. So far so good.
In article j4or86$6gm$1@redacted.invalid, me@redacted.invalid (Király) wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
It really depends. I bought a third party composite video cable for my iPod Classic for $8 from eBay. Works great. Apple's offering for the same thing was $50.
OTOH, my car dealer's service counter has a pair of oil filters cut up so that you can see the cross section. One is the manufacturer's filter available only at the dealer, and one is from FRAM, which is what most other garages use. After seeing that, never again will I use anything but the dealer's filter.
I think that's why the OP wanted to hear from people with actual experience. Generic "you get what you pay for" isn't very helpful.
I have actual experience. You do get what you pay for.
In article j4or86$6gm$1@redacted.invalid, me@redacted.invalid (Király) wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Three times the cost. Three times the performance/life/whatever?
You do get what you pay for. Plan accordingly.
The way I say it is "You can always get less than you pay for, but rarely more".
It really depends. I bought a third party composite video cable for my iPod Classic for $8 from eBay. Works great. Apple's offering for the same thing was $50.
OTOH, my car dealer's service counter has a pair of oil filters cut up so that you can see the cross section. One is the manufacturer's filter available only at the dealer, and one is from FRAM, which is what most other garages use. After seeing that, never again will I use anything but the dealer's filter.
That's not a hard and fast rule in the automotive world though. If you can identify a part that is used by both a Volvo and a Ford for example, the Ford item will generally be cheaper (though you may have to change mounting brackets as well).
I don't know if this is still true, but in the 1970s, car manufacturers would design items like shock absorbers (US dampers?) for a limited lifetime. This was particularly true of the budget models which were sold close to cost, and the profits were made on spares over the lifetime of the vehicle.
I think that's why the OP wanted to hear from people with actual experience. Generic "you get what you pay for" isn't very helpful.
That's how I read it. Back to the car analogy again: Is it worth saving money by buying that model with the smallest engine? Yes if you only use it for local shopping, no if you want to do lobg distances at high speed.
In article slrnj70dbf.153l.g.kreme@redacted.invalid, Lewis g.kreme@redacted.invalid wrote:
In message <isw-3455C5.20533113092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]> isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
So it's not as "good"; I wouldn't be surprised. But for example, if it lasts half as long and costs only a third as much, it still could be a bargain. And it it lasts three-quarters of the time an Apple battery would, it's a really good deal.
Hm.. I disagree. A battery that gives 3 hours of charge is a LOT worse than a battery that gives 4 hours of charge. The longer the battery lasts, the worse deal 75% becomes (8 hours versus 6? No way, I'd pay triple for 8 hours).
I wasn't talking about that, though I suppose I wasn't clear. What I meant was the lifetime of the battery, not it's capacity. All the inexpensive ones I've looked at have similar amp-hour ratings to the original, so I would expect them to last the same between charges -- at least, when new.
My real suspicion is that whatever the name on the outside, the cells themselves are all manufactured in the same plants. I doubt that there's enough profit in it to even do some serious "triage" to select poor performing cells. A good friend had a MacBook just like mine, but his (Apple-branded) battery swelled up and bent the keyboard.
I wonder if the real difference is just in how good the warranty is.
Isaac
In article j4pb8j$smf$1@redacted.invalid, me@redacted.invalid (Király) wrote:
isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Not saying that the "Brand Name" one isn't superior in some way, but the thing to wonder is, if you use the expensive one, how much will the usable lifetime of the vehicle be increased/how much more will you get for it when you sell it?
My guess is, not enough to notice.
Well, around here, "100% dealer serviced" with the records to prove it is always adds value to a used car.
I'm sure it does. Is it enough extra to make up the difference between several years of "Dealer Service" and "Jiffy-Lube"? I doubt it.
Dealers generally won't provide those records unless you abide by the factory's ridiculously short service interval, so more frequent dealer trips at a higher cost each can add up pretty fast (and don't forget the added cost of more of your time spent on those additional trips to the dealer).
I subscribe to the "benign neglect" theory of cost-effective vehicle ownership.
Isaac
On 9/14/11 12:34 PM, isw wrote:
In articlej4pb8j$smf$1@redacted.invalid, me@redacted.invalid (Király) wrote:
iswisw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Not saying that the "Brand Name" one isn't superior in some way, but the thing to wonder is, if you use the expensive one, how much will the usable lifetime of the vehicle be increased/how much more will you get for it when you sell it?
My guess is, not enough to notice.
Well, around here, "100% dealer serviced" with the records to prove it is always adds value to a used car.
I'm sure it does. Is it enough extra to make up the difference between several years of "Dealer Service" and "Jiffy-Lube"? I doubt it.
Dealers generally won't provide those records unless you abide by the factory's ridiculously short service interval, so more frequent dealer trips at a higher cost each can add up pretty fast (and don't forget the added cost of more of your time spent on those additional trips to the dealer).
I subscribe to the "benign neglect" theory of cost-effective vehicle ownership.
Isaac
You've got it all wrong. Usually it's the dealer rather than the factory who pushes short-interval-- and likely needless-- oil and fluid changes. Manufacturer's recs are generally much longer intervals.
These days, many new cars have service minder systems built into the electronics that monitor mileage, speed, driving style, short trips, etc. and match the required service interval to actual wear and tear.
And BTW, if you really do subscribe to the benign neglect theory of maintenance for a $30,000 vehicle, you're an even bigger fool that the misinformed first part of your post reflects...
Douglas C. Neidermeyer sgt@redacted.invalid wrote:
You've got it all wrong. Usually it's the dealer rather than the factory who pushes short-interval-- and likely needless-- oil and fluid changes. Manufacturer's recs are generally much longer intervals.
The local dealer is always wanting to sell me services like fuel system flush et al, which are beyond what the mfr specs for the service interval I'm at. I always decline them. I follow all the mfr's maintenance specs, which includes an oil and filter change every four months.
Király me@redacted.invalid wrote:
Well, around here, "100% dealer serviced" with the records to prove it is always adds value to a used car.
I haven't done anything like collect statistically significant data (which would be hard to do), but around here, at least for the only Toyota dealer in the area, I'd expect "100% dealer serviced" to subtract from the value on the theory that the dealer would likely have messed something up. I've had people seriously suggest to me that I go ahead and pay a 3rd party instead of taking advantage of the "free" (as in part of the purchase price) first 20,000 miles of service. My admitedly limitted experience with the particular dealer does seem to support that suggestion.
All generalizations are false.
And that certainly includes generalizations about auto dealerships. I'm sure there are some great ones. I am also sure (even more so) that there are some crap ones. I know which kind I've got locally.
On the OP's question about 3rd party batteries, I'm still puzzled how he expected people to cite "actual experience" about a battery without him detailing what battery he was talking about. Almost as though any battery listed on ebay for about $30 must be equivalent to any other. Maybe I should make a $30 ebay listing for one of the sickly batteries in one of my old Macs. I have plenty of "actual experience" with that battery and can report that it did well for several years. Perhaps I better add a disclaimer that "past performance is no guarantee of future results." :-)
On 09-14-2011 00:46, dorayme wrote:
Would anyone care to discuss this? Or will I just email Michelle's rabbit about the matter?
No, just continue writing your apology out longhand. When it is completed, upload it with a Morse code key.
In article j4rk26$u8h$4@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-14-2011 00:46, dorayme wrote:
Would anyone care to discuss this? Or will I just email Michelle's rabbit about the matter?
No, just continue writing your apology out longhand. When it is completed, upload it with a Morse code key.
I'm not clever enough to understand this, so I just wrote it out in Morse to make my punishment complete. I heard all the rabbits in all the world in a big chorus gleefully enjoying my labours. I honestly believe I am a Christ-like figure, but sort of among rabbits, if you know what I mean, a sort of menchy rabbity religious community, me the only non-rabbit in it. Sort of Alice in Macland. (Just btw, I saw Jolly Roger and poor old Lewis faceless but grimacing, they were both sitting, bumless of course, on a tree branch).
I regard my penance and remorse now complete on this.
In article <dorayme-7D6DB6.13185215092011@redacted.invalid t>, dorayme dorayme@redacted.invalid wrote:
When it is completed, upload it
Oh...
http://dorayme.netweaver.com.au/lines.html
In article j4qrcd$uvf$1@redacted.invalid, "Douglas C. Neidermeyer" sgt@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 9/14/11 12:34 PM, isw wrote:
In articlej4pb8j$smf$1@redacted.invalid, me@redacted.invalid (Király) wrote:
iswisw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Not saying that the "Brand Name" one isn't superior in some way, but the thing to wonder is, if you use the expensive one, how much will the usable lifetime of the vehicle be increased/how much more will you get for it when you sell it?
My guess is, not enough to notice.
Well, around here, "100% dealer serviced" with the records to prove it is always adds value to a used car.
I'm sure it does. Is it enough extra to make up the difference between several years of "Dealer Service" and "Jiffy-Lube"? I doubt it.
Dealers generally won't provide those records unless you abide by the factory's ridiculously short service interval, so more frequent dealer trips at a higher cost each can add up pretty fast (and don't forget the added cost of more of your time spent on those additional trips to the dealer).
I subscribe to the "benign neglect" theory of cost-effective vehicle ownership.
Isaac
You've got it all wrong. Usually it's the dealer rather than the factory who pushes short-interval-- and likely needless-- oil and fluid changes. Manufacturer's recs are generally much longer intervals.
These days, many new cars have service minder systems built into the electronics that monitor mileage, speed, driving style, short trips, etc. and match the required service interval to actual wear and tear.
And BTW, if you really do subscribe to the benign neglect theory of maintenance for a $30,000 vehicle, you're an even bigger fool that the misinformed first part of your post reflects...
Well, it's allowed me to drive several vehicles well past 100K miles (one past 250K), to the point where there was no resale left in them, and for considerably lower total cost of ownership than if I had sprung for full-tilt dealer service.
So where does the "bigger fool" part come in?
Isaac
In article 1k7l7du.cx6v1k477bp0N%nospam@redacted.invalid, nospam@redacted.invalid (Richard Maine) wrote:
-- snip --
On the OP's question about 3rd party batteries, I'm still puzzled how he expected people to cite "actual experience" about a battery without him detailing what battery he was talking about. Almost as though any battery listed on ebay for about $30 must be equivalent to any other.
I (OP) do not necessarily think they are equivalent; that's why I asked if anyone had any experience with any of them. I was looking for which brands had been tried and liked -- or not liked.
Maybe I should make a $30 ebay listing for one of the sickly batteries in one of my old Macs. I have plenty of "actual experience" with that battery and can report that it did well for several years.
Anyone who is too stupid to tell the difference between a new third-party offering and an old, decrepit Apple battery, deserves what he gets.
Unfortunately (for me) it seems that nobody has any info to offer. Even JR, who did reply, didn't mention a brand (which would have been useful, as it would be one to avoid).
I have purchased a number of brand-new "off-brand" or "no-name" electronic products from eBay vendors at prices so low that I can't even begin to understand how they can stay in business. Almost every one of them has been perfectly functional and reliable. In the very few cases where the item was broken, a replacement was shipped quickly and (evidently) cheerfully.
I'm pretty sure that I'll be getting one of those batteries in the near future.
Isaac
In article <isw-EA943F.21292414092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Unfortunately (for me) it seems that nobody has any info to offer. Even JR, who did reply, didn't mention a brand (which would have been useful, as it would be one to avoid).
Wrong. I mentioned TWO brands: OWC, and FastMac.
In article jollyroger-A7E1CE.07432515092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-EA943F.21292414092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Unfortunately (for me) it seems that nobody has any info to offer. Even JR, who did reply, didn't mention a brand (which would have been useful, as it would be one to avoid).
Wrong. I mentioned TWO brands: OWC, and FastMac.
I meant, the inexpensive ones. OWC has good stuff, but you do pay for it.
Isaac
In article <isw-9A47D9.09530715092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-A7E1CE.07432515092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-EA943F.21292414092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
Unfortunately (for me) it seems that nobody has any info to offer. Even JR, who did reply, didn't mention a brand (which would have been useful, as it would be one to avoid).
Wrong. I mentioned TWO brands: OWC, and FastMac.
I meant, the inexpensive ones. OWC has good stuff, but you do pay for it.
Isaac
What inexpensive ones?
On 09-15-2011 00:29, isw wrote:
Anyone who is too stupid to tell the difference between a new third-party offering and an old, decrepit Apple battery, deserves what he gets.
Anyone who can reliably tell the difference from a poor quality or plagiarized photo and a little marketing hype deserves some recognition.
I have purchased a number of brand-new "off-brand" or "no-name" electronic products from eBay vendors at prices so low that I can't even begin to understand how they can stay in business. Almost every one of
You asked us for advice on whether you should do it. Then you argued with that advice. Now you claim you've already done it and intend to continue. Hmmmm.
In article j4ufpb$4qv$1@redacted.invalid, Wes Groleau Groleau+news@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 09-15-2011 00:29, isw wrote:
Anyone who is too stupid to tell the difference between a new third-party offering and an old, decrepit Apple battery, deserves what he gets.
Anyone who can reliably tell the difference from a poor quality or plagiarized photo and a little marketing hype deserves some recognition.
I have purchased a number of brand-new "off-brand" or "no-name" electronic products from eBay vendors at prices so low that I can't even begin to understand how they can stay in business. Almost every one of
You asked us for advice on whether you should do it.
I didn't ask if I should do it; I asked if anyone had any experience with inexpensive batteries from eBay.
Then you argued with that advice.
Nobody provided any info whatsoever on that sort of battery, so how could I have argued with it?
Now you claim you've already done it and intend to continue. Hmmmm.
Never bought a battery of that sort before, so I was hoping for some sharing of experience. Got a lot of other stuff, but not what I asked for ...
Isaac
In article <isw-581451.21123215092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
I didn't ask if I should do it; I asked if anyone had any experience with inexpensive batteries from eBay.
Considering that when you buy an inexpensive battery through (not from; eBay itself doesn't sell products) eBay, that battery could be different from any and all other inexpensive batteries bought through eBay, so anyone's specific experience would be meaningless.
In article michelle-9639FC.21542415092011@redacted.invalid, Michelle Steiner michelle@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article <isw-581451.21123215092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, isw isw@redacted.invalid wrote:
I didn't ask if I should do it; I asked if anyone had any experience with inexpensive batteries from eBay.
Considering that when you buy an inexpensive battery through (not from; eBay itself doesn't sell products) eBay, that battery could be different from any and all other inexpensive batteries bought through eBay, so anyone's specific experience would be meaningless.
Not if the battery had a brand or some sort of identifying code on it and not if the seller was named and regularly sold batteries.
I think isw has been very badly treated here and I think you subscribers and all your rabbits should take a moment in prayer to ask God to deliver a completely free, high quality battery to him in compensation. Please ensure that rabbits are kept in order, scurrying about during the ceremony will ruin the chances of success.
On 09-16-2011 00:54, Michelle Steiner wrote:
In article<isw-581451.21123215092011@redacted.invalid[216.168.3.50]>, iswisw@redacted.invalid wrote:
I didn't ask if I should do it; I asked if anyone had any experience with inexpensive batteries from eBay.
Considering that when you buy an inexpensive battery through (not from; eBay itself doesn't sell products) eBay, that battery could be different from any and all other inexpensive batteries bought through eBay, so anyone's specific experience would be meaningless.
But whatever the type, the more experience of things in general bought on eBay ought to be better than nothing.
Many of the pictures are not of the item for sale, but lifted from an advert for an item of the same brand (or even a different one)
If the say its new, and they're telling the truth, that's one thing, but if they're lying, or they admit it's used, in the case of a battery, it may be worn out and still look good on the outside.
I have been ripped off in an eBay sale and found that eBay's claims of buyer protection are lies. (I almost said "puffery" but that would be too kind.)
On 9/13/11 10:53 PM, isw wrote:
So it's not as "good"; I wouldn't be surprised. But for example, if it lasts half as long and costs only a third as much, it still could be a bargain. And it it lasts three-quarters of the time an Apple battery would, it's a really good deal.
Could you elaborate on "not as good"?
Isaac
I wearied of reading the thread early on so I hope this hasn't already been addressed ad infinitum, ad nauseum. FWIW, I bought my first notebook (a Core2Duo MacBook) this past Spring on craigslist. It had a dead battery so I bought one of the $30-ish ones on eBay. Since I've never owned a portable before, I can't compare it to Apple batteries. But I can tell you the performance is ok but not great. I get maybe 3 & 1/2 to 4 hours on a full charge if only web surfing (CL, eBay, etc.), emailing, reading newsgroups, typing/editing documents, etc. Watching HQ video cuts it down to the 2 to 2 & 1/2 hour range.
Karl
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Hey Jolly, it's been 7 months since you posted the above. I need to replace my MacBook battery and, before I order, I just wanted to confirm that you're still pleased with OWC's MacBook batteries. I recall that 2 or 3 years back you were a big cheerleader for FastMac batteries and then subsequently soured on them.
In article kneeljung-125837.00585209042012@redacted.invalid, Dave Allen kneeljung@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Hey Jolly, it's been 7 months since you posted the above. I need to replace my MacBook battery and, before I order, I just wanted to confirm that you're still pleased with OWC's MacBook batteries. I recall that 2 or 3 years back you were a big cheerleader for FastMac batteries and then subsequently soured on them.
Our OWC battery is still going strong. No problems to report.
I waited months for FastMac to move their factory to American soil before finally getting my battery from them. I really wanted the FastMac battery to work out. The first one they gave me died prematurely (within warranty). The free replacement they sent me died just over a year later (out of warranty). No free replacement for that one, which is understandable, but unfortunate. I have Apple batteries that have lasted over 3 years in comparison. The OWC battery I am using now was purchased on 7/2011, and is still doing fine. We'll see!
In article jollyroger-D46272.06391709042012@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article kneeljung-125837.00585209042012@redacted.invalid, Dave Allen kneeljung@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article jollyroger-5FD911.13494512092011@redacted.invalid, Jolly Roger jollyroger@redacted.invalid wrote:
I've had good experience so far with OWC's MacBook batteries:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries
Hey Jolly, it's been 7 months since you posted the above. I need to replace my MacBook battery and, before I order, I just wanted to confirm that you're still pleased with OWC's MacBook batteries. I recall that 2 or 3 years back you were a big cheerleader for FastMac batteries and then subsequently soured on them.
Our OWC battery is still going strong. No problems to report.
I waited months for FastMac to move their factory to American soil before finally getting my battery from them. I really wanted the FastMac battery to work out. The first one they gave me died prematurely (within warranty). The free replacement they sent me died just over a year later (out of warranty). No free replacement for that one, which is understandable, but unfortunate. I have Apple batteries that have lasted over 3 years in comparison. The OWC battery I am using now was purchased on 7/2011, and is still doing fine. We'll see!
Thanks for the update. It would be more reassuring to know a few folks who are still happy with their OWC batteries after 2-3 years, but every laptop battery buy seems to be a crapshoot these days, so I'll take the OWC plunge.