Keyboard batteries running out very fast

Question

Keyboard batteries running out very fast

Hi,

Just the last week, the batteries on my wireless keyboard are shown as 0 charge and the keyboard connection lost within 2 days. The mouse still works fine.

I am using rechargeable Energiser 2500mAh, and have been this whole time. Note this is NOT a post about how rechargeables run out faster. I know this. They have always run out faster than the original alkalines, and they have always shown only 3/5 charge when newly charged.

But they used to last maybe a couple of months between charges. The mouse is still doing this. The keyboard has now twice been fully run down in 2 days from putting in new batteries. It still starts off showing 3/5 charge when put in, so I don't think it is bad charging.

Something has changed. What? And what can I do about it?

Linda

iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.3.9) Wireless mouse and keyboard

Posted on Mar 30, 2007 9:14 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 3, 2007 2:50 AM in response to lindanicolette

Update on my battery question.

The batteries are not actually run down; the computer just thinks they are. If I take them out and put them back in and restart the computer, it will show 3/5 charge again.

It seems to happen when I shut down over night and start up again. The time I left it on sleep instead, it didn't happen. It is also turning my brightness down to the lowest level if I leave it off overnight.

I started shutting down instead of 'sleep'ing because it was overheating badly. This is apparently a common problem for iMac G5's. Also, here in Australia we were in the middle of summer, in a 1/100 year drought.

Anyone know how to alter this effect, or will I just have to restart the computer twice each day?

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Answer 2

Apr 3, 2007 4:28 AM in response to lindanicolette

lindanicolette-

I wonder if there is something wrong with the mouse then? By removing the batteries I think you are resetting the mouse so that might be something to consider.

Do you have AppleCare that covers the mouse, or is it under warranty? If so it may be time to explore those options.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 3

Apr 5, 2007 8:27 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Thanks for the thought.

I assume you meant 'keyboard', not mouse, in your reply.

No, none of my Apple stuff is still under warranty, and I have no AppleCare for them either, as I actually hadn't thought of them ever needing repair 🙂 I have only had hand-me-downs from my family until this set-up, and they were all working fine after 5-15 years use.

Strangely, the last few days the problem hasn't occured, though I don't know why, as I haven't done anything different.

I will think on the 'hardware' point of view further.

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Answer 4

Apr 6, 2007 4:10 AM in response to lindanicolette

lindanicolette-

Yes, I did mean keyboard.

One other random thought is was it particularly humid when the device wasn't working? Sometimes high humidity can cause problems with connections between the batteries and the contacts.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 5

Apr 10, 2007 12:58 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Hi,

Yes, it could well have been humid! Inside at least.

The problem has not re-occured, and it is cooling into Autumn weather here now.

Thanks.

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Answer 6

Apr 10, 2007 3:36 AM in response to lindanicolette

lindanicolette-

I am glad that it is working. Thanks for the feedback.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

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