Replacement battery selection advice

A1278 is the model number for the MBP chassis (the computer) and that’s on the bottom of the case. It’s the same for all 13” Unibody MacBook Pros, although each one has a more specific model number (you’ll see it in System Report) depending on age, configuration, and even country of sale. A1322 is the model number for the battery for 13” Unibody MacBook Pros. I’m not sure what company DP is (I have a DP battery on another Mac) but SMP stands for Simplo which is what I have in my 13” mid-2012. You might try running coconutBattery, which will give more information.

https://coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/

The A1322 battery is still available from Apple, but they only allow it to be ordered as part of a complete battery service for specific machines. Not sure if you’ve already researched this, but your machine is considered “vintage” by Apple. Mostly they will provide no repair service, except for machines bought in Turkey or California. Or at least that’s what they say. I have no idea if someone bringing one into a AASP in California will need to prove where it was purchased.

Other than that, your most practical options are getting an aftermarket battery or maybe a recent salvage battery. There’s a lot of junk out there, so it might be best to resist the cheapest options.

Other World Computing is a highly reputable source (in the U.S.) for Mac parts.

Here is a link to their replacement battery offering for your computer.

Batteries for MacBook Pro 13-inch (2009-2012) Non Retina

(I have no financial interest in Other World Computing, or anything related to this particular battery. I am a former Other World Computing customer.)

JDJr7492 wrote:

Thank you for the info. Even w/specs, my 70+ yo eyes had trouble makin' out the A1278 on the bottom of my Calif purchase. Will be increasing RAM from 4G to 8G at the same time as $60 Battery replacement.

Yeah - it's tiny. I'm not that old but I can't see it without putting eyes really close.

Not sure about the battery. The OEM battery seems to work better than anything else. Since you bought it in California, you might be able to get an Apple Authorized Service Provider in California to replace it since it's still considered "vintage". The price is $129+tax.

Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

Vintage products are those that have not been manufactured for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. Apple has discontinued hardware service for vintage products with the following exceptions:

• Products purchased in the state of California, United States, as required by statute.

Owners of vintage Mac products may obtain service and parts from Apple service providers within the state of California, United States.