[X4U] How much can it cost

[Randy B. Singer]

On May 30, 2008, at 6:29 AM, Paul Moortgat wrote:

> Can it be that the battery is out of order?

I'd say that this is very likely.

The PRAM battery typically gives out after about 3 to 5 years.  But  
it can give up a lot earlier, or later.

The PRAM battery provides a bit of power so that your Mac can  
remember its settings, such as your preferences and the date and  
time, while it is turned off.  Sometimes an early sign that the  
battery is going bad is that your date and/or time will become  
incorrect, but often the first sign that the battery is dead is that  
your Mac won't startup.

The PRAM battery is a small cylindrical lithium battery that looks  
like a short AA battery.  In fact it is colloquially called a "1/2  
AA."  It is located on the motherboard and it snaps in and out just  
like a AA battery in a toy.  Your Mac's PRAM battery is probably a  
light purple and black.

Tadiran # TL5101 Lithium Battery
3.6 Volts
0.97" long x 0.56" diameter

Other World Computing is a good source for PRAM batteries.
They stock them for only $5:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAA36VPRAM/

$7 including shipping
http://tinyurl.com/39ur2b


You can also get one (for a bit more money) at a local Radio Shack  
(you can't purchase them online from Radio Shack for some reason ).
$15
Catalog #: 23-026
<http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104707&cp>


___________________________________________
Randy B. Singer
Co-author of The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th, and 6th editions)

Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance
http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html
___________________________________________