MacBook battery has an "X" through it.

Question

Hi.
I bought a MacBook in late 2006. Used it as a secondary computer for a year and a half (about) until one day my battery had an "x" through it on the status bar. I have an apple care protection plan, so I called apple, and they said there was actually a recall on the battery, so they sent me a new one.
All was fine... Until... Just over 3 months after they sent me the new battery, my battery icon again had an "x" though it. The battery is not at all recognizable by the computer. (system profiler says no battery installed).
So I called apple (mind you I still have almost a year on my Apple Care protection plan). They sent me a box to send my computer in, and three days later I got my MacBook back with a letter inside the box. The letter said (and I quote): " Our analysis has determined that although your battery no longer has the capacity to function at a level necessary for optimum operation of your unit, it is not defective." The letter also says: "...(apple) does not cover batteries whose capacity to function has depleted through normal use."
So basically what apple is telling me is that THE NORMAL LIFE OF A MACBOOK BATTERY IS THREE MONTHS!?!?!?
Apple has decided not to replace my battery because there is only a 90 day warranty on replacement batteries. (referring to recalled battery 3.5 months earlier)
I also tried the battery update, and no luck. Apple currently has my MacBook and is running diagnostics on the power/logic-board.
I hesitate to go buy a new battery, in fear that it will do this again, and apple will again tell me that they don't cover batteries whose capacity has depleted through normal use (of three months).....
Does anyone have any suggestions?? Anyone had this problem?

Answer 1

Call AppleCare and ask to speak to a Customer Relations person. Be sure you have all the documentation relating to your situation.
Beyond this there's nothing we can do to help you. This is both a hardware problem and a warranty problem.