Pop Out Your Dead PowerBook Battery With Its Replacement
I’ve had two batteries for my PowerBook for about three weeks now. Every time I went to switch out the dead battery for the charged one I would fumble around for something to release the old battery with (nickels and quarters work well. In a pinch, a credit card works too). Just a few minutes ago I slapped myself on the forehead with this “they probably designed it this way” realization. You can use the replacement battery to pop out the dead one. See picture:
This might be common knowledge, but I didn’t know it. Oh, and this is a 15″ PowerBook G4. Not sure if this works on Mac Book (Pro)’s or not. If you have a MB(P), feel free to drop the answer in the comments.
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August 28th, 2006 at 11:37 am
Great tip! MacBook Pros use dual sliding latches, so this trick doesn’t apply to them.
August 28th, 2006 at 11:57 am
I wish I’d thought of that when I was using my 12″ G4! Luckily the latch on the MacBooks (non Pro) isn’t spring loaded, so you can open and close it with a thumbnail — without ripping the thumbnail off.
August 28th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
I always use my thumb. Just press it firmly on the release button (so some skin goes into the kerf) and turn.
But this is a great way to do it, too.
August 28th, 2006 at 6:15 pm
Yeah the MacBook Pro comes off easily… but not too easily…
August 28th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
Don’t cut your thumbnails so short. Mine work a treat on my PB 15.
r
August 29th, 2006 at 5:53 am
I’ve always swapped batteries this way on my 12″ pb.
August 29th, 2006 at 6:27 am
Don’t you paupers have coins?
I guess if you’re replacing the battery, the battery method makes best sense. And is a sweet example of neat Apple industrial design. Even if this was just a happy coincidence.
August 29th, 2006 at 6:37 am
Same here, when I realised that I could do that, it was one of those many little things you discover that makes you so glad you’ve got a mac