Aluminum PowerBook Battery Update

Apple released a battery firmware update for specific aluminum PowerBook G4 models on Tuesday to address a problem that can cause short run times, and batteries not being recognized by the system. The update is intended for the 15-inch G4 PowerBook with the double-layer SuperDrive, and should show up in Software Update if you need to install it, although in some instances is does not.

You can also use System Profiler to see if your PowerBook needs the update.

  • Choose Apple Menu > About this Mac.
  • Click the More Info button.
  • Select Hardware in the Contents column.
  • Look for Machine Model in the information pane. Model PowerBook5,8 requires the update.


Check your PowerBook model with System Profiler.

The update is also necessary for PowerBook models 5,2, 5,4, and 5,6 if you purchased a replacement battery after September 2005. If you want to download and install the update yourself, it is available as a stand alone installer here.

More information about the update is available at the Apple Support Web site.