iBook power supplies

I have bought an iBook (G3 500 MHz) recently and wanted to ask people's thoughts about the power supply. The one that came with the computer is the old yo-yo device. While this works fine I was wondering whether the newer power supplies (like the one for my 17" PowerBook - square with little hooks for holding the cable) would also work. The business end looks identical.

Now you might think "why not just try it?". Wellll... Many years ago I blew up a laptop when I put the wrong supply into it. Once bitten and all that. I looked in vain for information on the power requirements of the PowerBook and iBook, BTW, though I have been known in the past not to look in the right places.

Also, it is early days but I think the iBook's battery is not what it once was: where would be a good place to look for a new one for this computer?

Any guidance appreciated.

On 9/4/04 4:15 pm, in article BC9C7C9A.EEC%ianpiper@redacted.invalid, "Ian Piper" ianpiper@redacted.invalid wrote:

I have bought an iBook (G3 500 MHz) recently and wanted to ask people's thoughts about the power supply. The one that came with the computer is the old yo-yo device. While this works fine I was wondering whether the newer power supplies (like the one for my 17" PowerBook - square with little hooks for holding the cable) would also work. The business end looks identical.

Now you might think "why not just try it?". Wellll... Many years ago I blew up a laptop when I put the wrong supply into it. Once bitten and all that. I looked in vain for information on the power requirements of the PowerBook and iBook, BTW, though I have been known in the past not to look in the right places.

Also, it is early days but I think the iBook's battery is not what it once was: where would be a good place to look for a new one for this computer?

Any guidance appreciated.

Ian.

Dr Ian M Piper Tellura Information Services http://www.tellura.co.uk/

The iBook you have can safely be used with both the 45W and 65W white power supplies.

Steve Bell

On 9/4/04 7:34 pm, in article BC9CAB4D.18C9D%i-hate-spam@redacted.invalid, "Steve Bell" i-hate-spam@redacted.invalid wrote:

I was wondering whether the newer power supplies (like the one for my 17" PowerBook - square with little hooks for holding the cable) would also work.

The iBook you have can safely be used with both the 45W and 65W white power supplies.

Steve Bell

That's good news. How do you get to find out about things like this? I've looked all over the place but can find no informative specs. The iBook specification page on the Apple site has nothing useful.

Also, any thoughts on batteries? Having tested the battery life I can confirm that it is dismal - about 1 hour maximum. Can I likewise use the battery intended for the new iBook? Or is there a good place to buy new batteries for old iBooks?

Thanks for the help.

Ian Piper ianpiper@redacted.invalid wrote:

Also, any thoughts on batteries? Having tested the battery life I can confirm that it is dismal - about 1 hour maximum. Can I likewise use the battery intended for the new iBook?

Yeah, works here. It's the same battery - might be higher capacity - with a different coloured (ie solid white not 'ice' white) cover on it. The cover can be removed, carefully, and replaced with the one on the duff battery if you're fussy.

Or is there a good place to buy new batteries for old iBooks?

Not really, no. eBay? applemacparts.co.uk or whatever the URL is (can't check, offline).

    -z-

On 11/4/04 3:50 pm, in article 1gc21zl.6aguh010epcm1N%me3@redacted.invalid, "zoara" me3@redacted.invalid wrote:

Ian Piper ianpiper@redacted.invalid wrote:

Also, any thoughts on batteries? Having tested the battery life I can confirm that it is dismal - about 1 hour maximum. Can I likewise use the battery intended for the new iBook?

Yeah, works here. It's the same battery - might be higher capacity - with a different coloured (ie solid white not 'ice' white) cover on it. The cover can be removed, carefully, and replaced with the one on the duff battery if you're fussy.

Or is there a good place to buy new batteries for old iBooks?

Not really, no. eBay? applemacparts.co.uk or whatever the URL is (can't check, offline).

  -z-

Thanks for the information. Having given this iBook a fairly intensive workout for a week or so I am very happy with it with the exception of this battery/power supply business. I have a PowerBook 17" for work, and although the usable area is much smaller it really isn't bad, and the screen is really clear. And it is so much lighter.

Regarding this battery, I've tested it a few times and it gives only about 1.5 hours maximum, and more like 1 hour if I'm actually using it for anything. Is it possible to revive its capacity (these were supposed to deliver a fairly realistic 4-5 hours if I remember correctly)? And if I am going to shell out close on £100 for a new battery, any tips for keeping the capacity up?

Thanks,

Ian Piper ianpiper@redacted.invalid wrote:

Regarding this battery, I've tested it a few times and it gives only about 1.5 hours maximum, and more like 1 hour if I'm actually using it for anything. Is it possible to revive its capacity (these were supposed to deliver a fairly realistic 4-5 hours if I remember correctly)?

You can't revive capacity, no. You could try resetting the power manager (can't remember how - it's late; do a search on Apple's support site). Unlikely to do any good though. Another alternative is to get the battery re-celled - you'd have to find a battery specialist to do that for you, no idea of the likely price but it might be lower.

And if I am going to shell out close on £100 for a new battery, any tips for keeping the capacity up?

Keep it on charge. Batteries have a lifespan measured in charge/discharge cycles - the fewer times you discharge it and recharge it again, the longer it will last. Though saying that, a battery should last at least a couple of years anyway (assuming you don't install any of Apple's "fuck-your-battery" software updates, that is).

    -z-