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update... battery life

While it's still not 4 hours, I did get 1 hour and 40 minutes out of my battery in my test earlier. However, all the machine was doing was running a screen saver and grabbing mail every few minutes.

Apple no longer stocks batteries for my laptop, a mere 2 years old. They buy and resell them from other manufacturers, but on a single-order basis, and at non-educational prices. Seems I shouldve ordered that one for $121 a couple months back (although this tech says they didnt have them then, either, and the guy was trying to sell me the wrong battery).

So... I can find them anywhere from $123+shipping to $149+shipping, all seemingly manufactured by the same company, and all new (non-reconditioned), with a 12-month warranty.

I suppose it's worth it for another 2 years of life...Maybe. If only the iBook batteries were all the same. I mean, they didnt change shape... I think the clasps changed.

I talked to the tech (yes, it's a hardware tech who sells batteries when you call Apple) about my 500-thinks-it's-a-433 problem, and although he's never heard of it, he suggested taking it in to the apple store. Since they never made a 433, he thinks they'll help me no-questions-asked. He also suggested it could be a firmware issue.

I started doing research on iBook firmware, but I really have no idea where to look to see what the current version should be. According to some docs, it never should've been upgraded.

Enough tech speak. Time to find some German vocabulary and go to bed.

Comments

If it's a software/firmware/otherware issue, I'm wondering if you'd see $120ish worth of life out of a new one if it's determined the battery itself isn't the issue. For the hell of it, I just booted my iBook (still on 10.2.8). At 96% with Airport on, 1:27... with Airport off, 1:41.

g-matt,
i just ordered a 12'' ibook g3 battery from the apple education store for $116 + tax. it will be here next week. where were you looking for a battery?

I emailed you back about this, breakfast, but in case any other readers are paying attention, here's the synopsis.

1) Apple didnt publicize codenames for their ibooks like they have codenamed powerbooks (pismo, etc).

2) the batteries still available on Apple.com will not fit my ibook, which is classified a "dual usb". The problem with Apple's naming is they use descriptive terms rather than model names when specifying replacement ibook batteries in their store. There's no way for you or I to know that those batteries online are wrong until they show up. I couldnt even find a knowledge base article detailing part numbers (starting with M) which would work!

Apple has had 7 different models of 12" white ibooks since their inception. Not all used the same battery.

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