My Problem
For a year, the MacBook Pro provided a means to video recording in my life. This means it was plugged in all the time and rarely saw any battery use. This battery also had a bulge in it from when the Apple Store provided a new one (I think their tech forgot to get a antistatic sticker off of it). Checking System Profiler showed the battery had worn out and my MBP was outside of my AppleCare.
My Fix
Went smoothly! Battery slipped in and is easily removable. Let it charge for 10 hours and then drained it all the way down. So far running well, however I think the battery drain is going faster than it should (not sure if it's the machine or I have been using too many high efficient laptops lately).
My Advice
Constantly cycle your battery! This means, at least once a week have it off the charger until it "dies" or "hibernates" and then plug it in and don't use it until it is fully charged.
Written on December 5, 2011