MacBook Pro: More on swollen or bursting batteries; Continuing projector issues; more
MacBook Pro: More on swollen or bursting batteries; Continuing projector issues; more
More on swollen or bursting batteries Yesterday we reported on severe battery failure -- apparently due to overheating -- from some MacBook Pros (along with a picture of the issue)
In mild cases, batteries swell but remain functional. In these cases, keyboard and/or trackpad functionality is sometimes affected by the rising of internal components.
We've since received an overwhelming response with regard to this issue, with dozens of readers noting swelling, melting and eventually non-functioning batteries.
Lo and behold, our in-house MacBook Pro 1.83 GHz is also displaying minor warping on the underside of the battery with a slight bulge. We've yet to experience complete battery failure from the unit, but oddities such as sudden power-offs and inability to run without being connected to external power have become apparent.
In most cases, Apple is replacing these defective batteries on an individual basis. The company has yet to disclose a manufacturing defect affecting any range of serial numbers or date-based production runs.
MacFixit reader Brian Bukowski writes:
"I had a problem with my battery in my early MacBookPro. It was warped, and would just randomly loose connection and the computer would shut off. Apple replaced the battery for me at my local Apple Store."
Richard Levy writes:
"I had the same thing happen to me. battery expanded and then didn't work. Apple replaced the battery."
This reader had a relatively severe case of malfunction:
"I had mine burst as well, though mine completely released it's self from the shell and jammed it's self into the MacBook Pro, not a easy feat since that adhesive they close the battery case with is tough."
Meanwhile, MacFixIt reader Dave is one of the users who experienced trackpad malfunction as a result of the warping:
"My battery is peeling away ( swelling ) and my track-pad button is also stuck. I called Apple and a new battery is on it's way... hopefully it will take care of the track-pad problem or it goes back to Apple. Serial number: W86080RXXX"
Finally, MacFixIt reader Brent writes:
"I'm so glad this came up. My trackpad never stopped working, but the tactile response in the middle of the button would disappear occasionally.
"I've been meaning to get my MacBook Pro (SN# W8607...)(battery SN# 6N606F...) to a Genius for a different battery issue. I've been having the sudden shutdown problem at about 96% battery left, despite the battery's power indicator giving me a full 5 LEDs.
"Seeing the swollen battery report, I dashed to my laptop to see that, yes, my battery is also swollen, tho not as much as that MacMedics photo. This on top of the other battery issue makes me hope they'll replace it."
More on projector issues -- make sure you are using the right adapter We continue to note problems with some digital projectors when connected to MacBook Pros.
If you are experiencing digital projector issues when connected via VGA, make sure you are using the DVI to VGA converter specifically designed for the MacBook Pro, not the older adapter used for PowerBooks.
MacFixIt reader Andrew Springer writes:
"I think the DVI to VGA adaptor on the MacBook pros may be different... I had a problem the first time I tried to use my MacBook Pro with a projector and the DVI to VGA converter, I had no signal at all. It transpired that it was simply that I used the converter from my PowerBook G4 (which was still attached to the projector). It looks identical but for some reason didn't work, as soon as I connected the DVI to VGA converter that shipped with the MacBook Pro all was fine."
Discs being scratched by SuperDrive MacFixIt reader Randy Repass reports an issue with his MacBook Pro's SuperDrive scratching discs -- a problem for which we are seeking confirmation.
"I am on my forth mac laptop, this one being a MacBook Pro 15". This is the first machine where I have found my disk drive is severely scratching disks if the machine is moved at all during any use of the drive. Sometimes this even happens when it is not being moved, but less often. If I tap the casing over the drive it will cease, but it is very audibly scratching the disks when it does."
If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.
For further coverage, see our MacBook Pro special report.
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