Reviving a PowerBook battery?

March 29, 2005 4:05 PM

On Good Friday, I came to the sorrowful realisation that the battery in my 12" PowerBook was kaput. How can I make it rise again?

I've been using this machine quite heavily since I bought in January 2004. Now, the battery goes from a fully-charged state to zip in about 30 minutes. I know that the lifespan for batteries is quite short but is there anything I can do to revive it, or should I just shell out for a new one?

posted by docgonzo to computers & internet (8 comments total)

No warranty?
posted by SeizeTheDay at 4:31 PM on March 29, 2005

I have definitely read at least half a dozen really good PowerBook/iBook battery revival articles in the last year. Some had some pretty unique methods, although most talked about PMU resets, ways to resolve major battery failures (which it sounds like you have, it really shouldn't be that bad yet?).. but as I don't have the links for them, you shall have to Google. However, the information is out there!
posted by wackybrit at 4:45 PM on March 29, 2005

There are many ways to reset the PMU , but in case you want to reset the PRAM, its option command p r on startup until you hear the startup chime again (two times in all). Also, cycle your battery by fully charging it, then unplugging it until your computer goes to sleep from low battery. then do it again. Good luck.
posted by michaelkuznet at 6:15 PM on March 29, 2005

Even if you have a warranty, the life on a laptop battery is generally one year - after that, it's an uphill battle to keep it alive.
posted by mek at 6:26 PM on March 29, 2005

I was in the same situation recently. Don't be surprised if nothing works. A new battery is your friend.
posted by sudama at 7:30 PM on March 29, 2005

Well, since it died on Good Friday, I recommend:

1. Wrap it in a shroud
2. Put it in a cave with a big rock in front of the entrance.
3. Wait three days
4. ?
5. Prophet!

My partner has a Pismo G3 with a 5 year old battery that still works the same (short) amount of time it did in 1999. I think the life on these things are better than is commonly reported. I mean, we only hear about the failures, right? Sounds like you may have lemon and no warranty recourse, so it sounds like repurchase is your only option.
posted by squirrel at 8:52 PM on March 29, 2005

Make sure your battery is charged and open a terminal window and type

ioreg -l -w0 | grep -i IOBatteryInfo

Your capacity should be > 4000 for a newish battery. My powerbook battery gets to about 900 and then it says its full. Time for a new battery or a new powerbook ;)
posted by voon_42 at 9:21 PM on March 29, 2005

That was really helpful, voon_42. Thanks. Mine is 4300 right now, with a supposed max of 4400, which makes me feel pretty good (my PB is 7 months old).
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:52 PM on March 30, 2005