Dying Powerbook G4

[rmcmill1]

We have a Powerbook G4 that dies unexpectedly. Also, the battery level drops very rapidly during operation. No particular activities seem to make this happen.

What we do noitice is that the battery discharges quickly-- battery level as indicated on the monitor and by the battery itself drops more rapidly than before (2 %/min). Also, the battery and the area near the charger plug get hot to the touch quickly.

When the monitor indicates a full battery charge, the removed battery also indicates full charge (5 dots lit). When the computer indicates the power level has dropped significantly (say to 25% after only 20 min of operation), the battery (installed) indication matches this (1-2 dots lit).

Does anyone have expericece with this computer dying unexpectedly problem? I think it's the power supply. Can this be replaced by an ordinary user?

Thanks for the help....

 

[mad jew]

How old is the PowerBook? Or more importantly, how old is the battery?

 

[JonMaker]

Is the battery properly calibrated?

Luckily, batteries are easier to replace than, say, a motherboard .

 

[alex_ant]

All PowerBook G4s get hot around the power plug. The PB is probably fine, but the battery is on its last legs.

 

[Linkjeniero]

If the battery isn't that old, it may be a faulty one. Sometime ago Apple made a battery recall because some PB and iBook batteries were bad, they overheated. Check the serial number in Apple's website, and if yours is a lemon, they'll replace it for free.