Aluminum PowerBook (15-inch) Battery Update v1.1 (#3): Installs on some PowerBook G4 15-inch Double-Layer SD but not others

We continue to report on confusion regarding Apple's Aluminum PowerBook (15-inch) Battery Update v1.1, released last week.

This update is purported to "aid the 15-inch Aluminum PowerBook battery in performing at full capacity," and applies only to specific PowerBook models. Although the update is -- according to Apple -- required for the PowerBook5,8 (PowerBook G4 (Double-Layer SD, 15-inch), users are having inconsistent results with applying it on those systems.

Here is a note from one reader who was unable to install the update on a PowerBook G4 (15-inch Double-Layer SD):

"I have a PowerBook G4 (15-inch Double-Layer SD). The new battery update utility v1.1 is supposed to be for my model, PowerBook5,8, but it will not install. It reports that the battery is already up to date. The PowerBook was purchased mid-December direct from Apple.

And here is a note from one reader who successfully installed both this update and the 1.0 version of the same update released in January:

"I have a PowerBook5,8 (stock, no upgrades). I installed the previous 'Battery Update' with no problems.

"When this new version was announced last week, I did not find it in my"Software Update list. I manually downloaded it and installed it with no problems."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Aluminum PowerBook (15-inch) Battery Update v1.1 (#2): Update not showing in Software Update/"not needed"; more
• Apple releases battery firmware for PowerBook G4 (15-inch Double-Layer SD) and some earlier PowerBooks

Resources