17" inch Unibody MBP Users: Cool info at DVinfo.net

Robert Lane · October 28th, 2009, 10:33 AM

If you're put-off by the battery in the new 17" inch MBP being "non-user replaceable", that's not exactly true.

IF you have the requisite skills/knowledge/bravery to tear apart your own machine here's the method for getting into and replacing your 17" incher battery:

MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Teardown - iFixit

The iFixit site has been making DIY tear-down/repair guides for years now. If you've ever opened up any Mac laptop since the G4 series you'll find the Unibody MBP's to be almost magically well put together inside. I've NEVER seen any laptop by any manufacturer be this easy to get into or seen the sub-components so logically placed and easily removed without great fuss.

Apple didn't just make the externals pretty they also went to great lengths to make the internals a dream for any technician or DIY repair-person to work on it.

John McDonald · October 28th, 2009, 02:12 PM

I have a 17" Unibody and took out the dvd drive and replaced it with a 2nd hard drive using one of the various kits available.

It wasn't that hard and sites like ifixit offer step by step guides which make it much less stressful.

Replacing the battery look very easy to me in comparison ;-)

Mitchell Lewis · October 29th, 2009, 07:31 PM

^^^^^^(very jealous of your setup John)^^^^^^^

Are you using a SSD as your main drive? If so I bet that thing is a rocket ship. :)

Ryan Mitchell · October 30th, 2009, 04:53 PM

I just upgraded to an SSD in my MBP and it is like it's an entirely new machine. I decided to do that instead of an upgrade to 8G. Much bigger impact on the system. I've been thinking about pitting a second hdd in my machine to make up for lack of space on the SSD. John, what components did you use and any regrets?

October 28th, 2009, 10:33 AM	#1
Robert Lane Go Go Godzilla Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 2,823 Images: 15	17" inch Unibody MBP Users: Cool info If you're put-off by the battery in the new 17" inch MBP being "non-user replaceable", that's not exactly true. IF you have the requisite skills/knowledge/bravery to tear apart your own machine here's the method for getting into and replacing your 17" incher battery: MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Teardown - iFixit The iFixit site has been making DIY tear-down/repair guides for years now. If you've ever opened up any Mac laptop since the G4 series you'll find the Unibody MBP's to be almost magically well put together inside. I've NEVER seen any laptop by any manufacturer be this easy to get into or seen the sub-components so logically placed and easily removed without great fuss. Apple didn't just make the externals pretty they also went to great lengths to make the internals a dream for any technician or DIY repair-person to work on it.

October 29th, 2009, 07:31 PM	#3
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	^^^^^^(very jealous of your setup John)^^^^^^^ Are you using a SSD as your main drive? If so I bet that thing is a rocket ship. :) __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

October 28th, 2009, 02:12 PM	#2
John McDonald Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: London, UK. Posts: 53	I have a 17" Unibody and took out the dvd drive and replaced it with a 2nd hard drive using one of the various kits available. It wasn't that hard and sites like ifixit offer step by step guides which make it much less stressful. Replacing the battery look very easy to me in comparison ;-)

October 30th, 2009, 04:53 PM	#4
Ryan Mitchell Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 120	I just upgraded to an SSD in my MBP and it is like it's an entirely new machine. I decided to do that instead of an upgrade to 8G. Much bigger impact on the system. I've been thinking about pitting a second hdd in my machine to make up for lack of space on the SSD. John, what components did you use and any regrets?