Q: My mid 2010 macbook'a battery has been going for a while now, barely holding a charge. It recently died and will not charge when plugged in. Would a new battery solve this issue or could it be worse?

Most likely a failed battery, at the Apple store replacement is:

Apple replacement batteries have a good guaranty and will fit the

computer correctly, and are of a known quality from their suppliers.

•Mac notebooks: All about batteries

You can get quality replacement batteries, in general, from reputable

Mac-centric suppliers who know the product and know Macs. OWC is

an example: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries

An example of Apple replacement power adapter for MB 13", here:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/MC461LLA/

Also check the magsafe adapter, the magnetic connectors on the wire

and in the computer, to be sure they are not damaged, dirty, etc. Of

the three parts that can act up: the battery, mag power adapter, and

the DC-in MagSafe Board, the easily accessed are first ones to check

by replacement or testing, to resolve issues.

•Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters

•Intel-Based Apple notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord

Hopefully the battery is the main issue and easily resolved.

Good luck & happy computing!

Tpat707 wrote:

 

Are non apple replacements OK or is that not a good idea?

A battery from another source can be just as good if it is the same battery.  But the source has to be considered, if you do that make sure it is reputable, like OWC, http://www.macsales.com as they are Mac specialists.  Places like eBay and such are not a good idea.  You are not sure of what you will get and in many cases, have no recourse if the item is faulty.

For a Mac battery, my feeling is to just pay the Apple price and have them do the work...you know you can get further support if something goes wrong.