PRAM battery freakout

[Carboy7]

I have now just began to get scared. The PowerBook 520c doesn't have an easy to get to PRAM battery, unlike the 100 series. And having read about the 'rechargeable coin cells in powerbooks' makes me want to replace mine. However, there is a problem. I don't want to take apart the entire computer just to take out the little battery, as I don't want to break the (fragile) plastic. And I read that you could take the coincell out through the expansion hole. (where you put the battery, 3rd party drive, etc) Can someone tell me if this is full of horse manure? Thank you!

 

[aplmak]

I have not tried to pull it out through there... But you can see it through that bay. One worse than that is the PB2400c.... that requires an almost entire disassembly.. the 500 series can't compare.. If I remember the take apart for the 500 series battery is not all that bad.. Google the official Apple take apart guide and look at it to get an idea...

 

[Carboy7]

I have now fully read the manual. (and had done so before, when faced with the idea to recell one of the batteries.) Apparently, the removal of the CMOS battery includes removing "battery/pcmcia module, clutch covers, display access cover, display assembly, keyboard, hard drive, center base cover, floppy drive, top case." Almost everything. I guess that battery won't be changed. What's the harm anyway?

Oh wait, they're lithium cells. UHOH

 

[techknight]

I dont know if its rechargeable lithium, or more likely, just nickel metal hydride. or NiMH. Those are nasty as they will, and WILL leak. 3400c being the worst so far. 

 

[Elfen]

Ha! The WallStreet G3 Series you have to take apart 80% of the casing and the battery is in the bottom plastic case in a Pita-pocket slot just forward of the keyboard and the drive bay. Its hell to get too! The 190/5300 is just as bad!

 

[Carboy7]

Damn. Well, hopefully they won't leak too hard... I do keep it in my 70 degree house. now here is the question. Do I keep the PB plugged in, or not?