PowerBook G4 12" PRAM battery?

[kylera]

I've searched for this online because my PowerBook isn't keeping time if I don't maintain a battery charge, but some people say that there is no clock battery in the 12-inch model...which I find to be ludicrous. Any suggestions?

 

[MacHamster68]

yes there is no separate pram battery in the 12" PowerBooks(like on iBooks too ). instead there is a small capacitor that maintains the system clock/Pram long enough(according various sites between 15 and 30 seconds) to swap the main battery for a fresh charged one or to plug in mains , so always keep a charged battery around
here that little thing
http://www.thebookyard.com/product.php?products_id=1884

 

[kylera]

So what this means is that even if this were a brand-new model, and the battery hits rock bottom, the time would still change??

 

[MacHamster68]

yes if the battery is empty and if you are not quick enough to plug it into mains or have a spare battery around , but usually you need just to go online to let it update the time itself , so nothing to worry
the only worry might be if you have a near full battery and/or plugged into mains and the clock is changing regardless of charge , then its time to change this capacitor , but as you say it keeps the time in mind when the battery is full , so the capacitor still does its job

easy test for a dead pram capacitor is to shut down the powerbook with full battery (or ibook as they have the same cap inside )and restart it after 15 seconds , if its holding the time its fine if its losing it , then time to change the capacitor