Logic Board Battery Problem: Symptoms and Consequences

Hello everyone!
When I cold start my Mac - a 1.67 GHz PowerPC G4 - I get a pop up window with the following message:
"Your computer's clock is set to a date before March 24th 2001. This may cause some applications to behave erratically. Please use the Date & Time preference panel to set the clock manually. For more information, choose Mac Help from the Help menu."
I've been getting this message since I first got the machine this past November, but since the system clock is automatically set by the network (right after the message gets generated), I just close the window and get on with the rest of my day. However, I finally decided to call Apple Tech Support about it. They told me the symptoms indicate that the battery on the logic board has gone bad and if I want to get the battery replaced I need to send my machine to Apple to have this done.
Since it would be a major inconvenience for me to send the machine out for repair, I am wondering what additional functionality this battery performs. I am willing to live with getting this message every time I cold start the machine, but would not want to rung the risk of a major malfunction occurring as a result of not replacing the battery.
So - I am wondering, does anyone know what functionality this battery performs in addition to running the system clock? Also, what might be the consequences of neglecting to replace this battery?
All opinions are greatly appreciated 8-)
1.67 GHz PowerPC G4   Mac OS X (10.4.5)   1.67 GHz PowerPC G4

Well, that begins to narrow it down... 12", 15", etc.?
Again, what exact model PowerBook?
I use "exact" literally.
Perhaps this KB article will help.
It may well be the case that your PB has to be returned for an internal battery replacement, since there is no replacement listed for it in this previously-cited document. However, I'd be very surprised by that and can find no documentation to either support or deny their claim. You may want to call them back to double-check this.
There are some Mac portable models that do not have an internal battery, aka a "backup battery." Those Macs use a capacitor, rather than a battery, to maintain PRAM while the main battery is swapped.
I'm beginning to wonder if there's some confusion with AppleCare w.r.t. the terms "backup battery" vs. "capacitor" after reading the last paragraph of this KB article. If there is a capacitor problem, then you PB would have to be returned for service.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

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