PowerBook G4s (Double-Layer SuperDrive) [#11]: Continuing reports of problematic batteries; Using DiskWarrior

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 8:24 a.m. PT

3 min read

Continuing reports of problematic batteries We continue to receive reports of some PowerBook G4 Double-Layer SuperDrive models have apparently shipping with faulty battery units.

In most instances of this problem, the batteries fail within a few seconds or minutes of the unit being disconnected from external power, despite the battery indicating a full charge and being measured at normal capacity with a shareware utility like Battorox.

One MacFixIt reader corroborates earlier reports that using a compatible battery from an older PowerBook provides a temporary stopgap solution:

"My battery failed within 5 days of purchase. Failing all PMU resets and battery tests, I replace the brand new battery with my old extra G4 powerbook battery and it functioned perfectly. Am now awaiting a replacement batter from Apple."

Brad Reimer adds:

"Put me down as another PowerBook G4 Dual Layer SuperDrive owner who has experienced a dead battery that Apple has to replace. Frustrating..."

As previously reported (though not successful for the aforementioned reader), users experiencing this problem may want to try resetting their PMU before resorting to an Apple replacement request, as described in our tutorial "Maintaining and restoring your PowerBook/iBook battery."

Again, most users who have already had their batteries replaced by Apple are no longer experiencing the problem.

Using DiskWarrior with the new PowerBooks As noted by MacFixIt reader Wade Smith, previously shipped copies of DiskWarrior are unable to startup the new PowerBooks because of ROM revisions:

"I'm wondering if anyone else is having no joy booting the new Powerbook with DiskWarrior 3.0.3, which now has an internal cable select IDE channel. I am having no luck, although the CD does seem to boot, nothing seems to happen when it's searching for the disks. There is no announcement at the DiskWarrior site, either."

In order to boot the new PowerBooks using the DiskWarrior CD, you will have to call Alsoft at 800 257-6381 for the new version 3.0.3 39 disc. The disc is priced at about US$20, shipped.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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