This article provides questions and answers on the PowerBook Duo Type III battery.

Question : Does the Type III battery for the PowerBook Duo use the same battery charger as the older Type II battery?

Answer : Type I, II, and III Duo batteries can be recharged in the recharger model M1812 (Marketing number M4178LL/B). The Type I recharger, model M7778, can only be used to recharge Type I batteries. The model number of the recharger is printed on the bottom of the recharger. If you have recharger model M7778, you cannot use it with Type II or Type III batteries. Contact Apple or an Apple authorized reseller to obtain the correct model.

If a red light appears when you place a Type III battery into the recharger, the recharger is either the older model or the recharger needs to be updated.

If you have a recharger model M1812 and you need to update it, follow these steps:

1. Shut down the PowerBook Duo computer.

2. Plug the power adapter into an AC outlet using the power cord that came with the computer.

3. Snap the recharger onto the side of the power adapter.

4. Plug the power adapter cable into the power adapter port on the back of the Duo computer.

5. Turn on the PowerBook Duo.


Question : What software do you need to install to correctly use Type III batteries in older PowerBook Duo computers?

Answer : You need to use the Type III Battery Extension, which is provided on a diskette with the battery when you purchase it. The 2.0 Enabler requires System 7.1.1, which is not available for the older Duo computers.

System 7.5 has all the required code for Type III batteries incorporated into the system software so no additional extensions or software is necessary. However, due to an error in the System 7.5 Update 1.0 software, if you are running System 7.5.1, the Type III Battery extension is required to update the external Duo Battery Recharger.

Question : The PowerBook Duo 280c comes with a newer AC power adaptor. Can older AC power adaptors be used with the Duo 280c and the new battery recharger?

Answer : You can you use older AC power adapters with the Duo 280c. The Duo 280 uses AC adapter model M7783. The Duo 280c can use model M7783 however it is suggested that the new model M2693 AC power adapter be used. You can use the new version of the AC power adapter with the model M4178 Battery Recharger. As explained previously, the battery recharger model M4777 cannot be used with Type III batteries.

Question : Do you need the new battery recharger to use Type III batteries in older Powerbook and Duo computers?

Answer : A new charger is not required to take advantage of a Duo Type III battery. An update to the existing charger will provide compatibility. This update procedure is documented above.

Question : Will there be a new recharger and power adapter that is compatible with all battery types?

Answer : There are no plans for any additional chargers or power adapters as the current charger and AC Adapter are fully compatible if they have been updated.

Question : If i purchase a Type II or Type III battery, will I still be able to use my old batteries?

Answer : Yes. With Type II Software installed, Type I or II batteries will work. With Type III Software installed, Type I, II or III will work.

Question : If i purchase a new battery for my PowerBook Duo 210/230, what software will I need?

Answer : With each battery purchase, software to enable your PowerBook to use that battery will come with it.

Type II batteries come with three disks; Duos InstallMeFirst, Duos Extras, and Duos Disk Tools. Substitute these for the disks with the same names in the set you already have. Then install this new software. Basically, this will add the PowerBook Duo Enabler (v1.0). If you have an internal modem, it is suggested that you also install the Duo Battery Patch.

Type III batteries come with a disk called Battery Tools. The Read Me file tells you to install the Type III Battery extension. This extension replaces the Duo Battery Patch and the Battery Patch can be removed from the System Folder.

Question : I have a Type II battery along with an Express Modem. I had to install the Duo Battery Patch. If I purchase a Type III battery, will I still need the patch?

Answer : No. The Type III Battery Extension replaces the Duo Battery Patch. The Duo Battery Patch can be removed from the System Folder. Also, the patch was rolled into the PowerBook Duo Enabler (V2.0).

Question : Should I install the new enabler on my PowerBook Duo 210/230?

Answer : No. The PowerBook Duo Enabler (V2.0) will not work with System 7.1. System 7.1.1 or later is required.

Question : If I upgrade to system 7.5, what enablers and extensions should I use for my Type II or Type III batteries?

Answer : System 7.5 comes with all of the enablers, patches and extensions needed to run Type II and Type III batteries. Nothing else need be added.