A recent Apple Tech Info Library article (“ PowerBook G3 Series: Troubleshooting Battery Not Charging While In Use“) addresses a battery-charging problem that some Wall Street models have:
“I noticed the battery in my PowerBook G3 Series will not charge unless the PowerBook is asleep or shut down. What is causing this?”
The first step says that if your AC adapter and battery are working perfectly, then the problem is probably with your PowerBook, and it should be serviced. However, the charging circuitry might not kick in when your PowerBook is too hot, so it may be hard to tell if your PowerBook really needs service or not.
