(1) Why do Macintosh computers have an internal battery?
Macintosh computers contain a battery in order to maintain certain internal settings even when the computer is turned off. These settings include things such as the date & time, the AppleTalk on/off setting, and the color on/off setting. These settings are stored in a special part of memory called PRAM (parameter RAM).
(2) How long does this battery usually last?
We believe that a battery should last UP TO five years after you receive your Macintosh. This does NOT mean that we expect every battery to last this long. Note that the battery may fail sooner, depending upon its shelf life, power usage patterns, and the individual battery inside your computer.
(3) The battery in my Macintosh has a date stamped on it. Is this the manufacture or expiration date?
It is the manufacture date.
(4) What are the symptoms of a dead battery?
When the Macintosh will not retain PRAM settings (such as the date/time) after it has been turned off, this generally indicates a dead battery.
(5) How do I replace the battery when it goes dead?
Apple recommends dealer installation of a new battery. Apple does not sell service parts such as batteries directly to end users. A battery can explode if installed in the wrong position. Finally, Apple-authorized service providers will return dead batteries to Apple for safe disposal or recycling.
(6) What kind of battery is the internal battery?
It depends on the model of Macintosh. The batteries used in Macintosh computers are lithium or alkaline, and are commonly 3.6-4.5 volts.
(7) What are the part numbers for the batteries in various Macintosh models?
Battery
Macintosh Model Part Number
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Macintosh 128, 512K, 512Ke, Macintosh Plus 742-0003
equivalents: Eveready #523-BP
Ray-O-Vac #RPX-21
Duracell #PX-21
Panasonic #PX-21
Macintosh SE 800K, Macintosh II (with leads) 742-0009
Macintosh II with 600-0530 Battery Holder Board 742-0011
Macintosh SE FDHD (with leads) 742-0011
Macintosh Classic (4-chip and 2-chip) 742-0011
Macintosh SE/30, IIx, IIcx, IIci, IIfx, IIsi 742-0011
Macintosh IIvi, IIvx, Performa 600 742-0011
Macintosh LC, LC II, LC III, Performa 400 series 742-0011
Macintosh Quadra 605, LC 475, Performa 475, 476 742-0011
Macintosh LC 520, LC 550, Performa 550 742-0011*
Macintosh LC 575, Performa 575, 577, 578 922-0750
Macintosh Classic II, Color Classic, Performa 200 742-0011*
Macintosh 630 Family including Quadra, LC, Performa 922-0750
Macintosh Centris 610, 650, 660AV 742-0011
Macintosh Quadra 610, 660AV, 650, 700, 800, 840AV,
900, 950 742-0011
Power Macintosh and Performa 5200, 5300, 6200, 6300 922-0750
5400, and 6400 series computers
Power Macintosh 6100/60, 6100/66, 7100/66, 8100/80 742-0011
Power Macintosh 7100/80, 8100/100, 8100/110, 922-1262
7200 series, 7500 series, 7600 series, 8500
series, and 9500 series
* Logic boards of the Color Classic, Macintosh LC 520, and the LC/Performa 550 have been revised and use a new battery, part number 922-0750. Your service provider will be able to determine which battery should be used.
Portable and PowerBook computers
--------------------------------
For the system batteries listed below, readings of less than 5.4 Volts indicate sulfated (irreparably damaged) batteries for the Portable and PowerBook 100 batteries. The Nickel Cadmium Batteries in the PowerBook 140, 145, 160, 165c, 170 and 180 computers and the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries of the PowerBook Duo computers can usually be recharged even from a deep discharge.
Battery
Portable/PowerBook Model Part Number
------------------------ -----------
Portable, Backlit Portable System Battery 076-0376
Portable, Backlit Portable Backup Battery 9 Volt Alkaline
