Review: FastMac TruePower MacBook Pro Battery

The battery on my MacBook Pro died a couple of months ago. Apple wants $129 for a new one, so I was happy to find a battery that was not only cheaper, but claims longer battery charge and life - The FastMac TruePower Battery. It even looks like the original Apple battery. A number of online reviews seem to like the battery, so I thought it was safe.

Well, real life doesn't match brief web site reviews. In the time I've had it, the aluminum cover (which doesn't really match the color of the laptop) on the battery has already peeled off a couple of times. The worst part is that the battery now only holds an 80% charge. I've attempted to contact FastMac on a couple of occasions but have been unable to get through. I'll keep trying and post an update. I hope they'll do the right thing and replace the battery or refund my money.

Update: I was finally able to get through to customer service. They are replacing my TruePower battery with an Apple OEM. No hassle, no mess, no fuss. According to the rep I talked to, they are moving manufacturing of the TruePower battery and they're temporarily unavailable. Have to wonder if I wasn't the only one having problems. Regardless, I'm happy.

Happy Birthday Mac!

Today is the 25th anniversary of the Apple Macintosh Computer. Below is its introduction in 1984 by Steve Jobs (dude, what's with the bow tie?).

It Was 25 Years Ago Today

The famous (infamous?) Apple Macintosh super bowl commercial is 25 years old today. In two days, the Macintosh itself will be 25. My how time flies...

State of Smartphones

Engadget has a great post comparing the iPhone, new Palm Pre, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Android feature sets and staking a claim as to whom is currently ahead.

Learn Objective C

Interested in learning how to program applications for the iPhone or Mac OS X? Stephen G. Kochan dives into the topic with a highly-rated book appropriately named "Programming in Objective-C". Written in a tutorial style, the book is excellent for beginners and experts alike.

Shameless Promotion Part Deux

I've got a total of 4 iPhone apps out there now:

BeerSnap - just like WineSnap, but for Beer.
Driven - Track mileage driven, ridden, hiked, etc. using the iPhone's built-in GPS
WineSnap - quickly note the details of a good wine.
Wine Journal 2.0 - Formerly Vinoriffic, Wine Journal 2.0 was just released and offers more fields, photos and more.

Shameless Promotion

Check out my latest iPhone/iPod Touch Application - WineSnap. WineSnap is a derivative of Wine Journal (formerly Vinoriffic), but is closer to our original vision - a simple application to quickly note the name of a great wine you've had while out. That's it. No cataloging, etc. Just a quick note. Check it out (opens iTunes).

Latest My First Mac Post

I'm doing Q&A over at My First Mac nowadays. Check it out.

New Matte Screen Option for MacBook Pro

Nope, I'm not talking about the new 17" MacBook and it's $50 matte option. Techrestore is now offering to matte your MacBook Pro screen for a mere $199. If you just can't stand the glossy screen, it's at least an option. Or wait until Apple starts offering it any week now.

(Via 9to5 Mac)