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exact type of lithium ion battery in visor prism

Hello,

i got a new Visor prism in a shop for a reduced price of 199 Euro.Now im wondering if the battery has already lost some of its capacity since the device has been laying for a while in the shelf.Handspring support seems to be open to replacements during the time of warranty but what is happening if handspring goes bankrupt or they withdraw thier support from Europe?Does anybody know what exact type of lithium ion battery the visor prism contains.
I didnt manage to open the prism case myself without applying to much pressure but is it suffcient to unloosen the 6 screws on the backside ?

some additional thougts on the topic

Having gathered Information from the forum i have mailed gs- melotec the manufacturer of the batterypack and have simply received the answer that handspring owns the design therefore i would have to contact handspring for a replacement.
On the other hand someone told me that no batterydesign is so special you couldnt change it a bit and build a similar working battery without breaking propietary rights.good examples you find maybe in the handymarket.

How to open your prism

First disclaimer - don't admit to doing this to Handspring as this will *VOID* any warranty. They are kinda picky about this for some strange reason.

You need to remove the 6 screws, and then with some blunt thin instrument (I used a thumbnail) run it *GENTLY* in between the front and back panels on the seam that runs around the unit. You will feel small tabs releasing as you do this if you do it right. You don't have to use much pressure to accomplish this.

Now, for the other disclaimers.

1. Unlike other visor designs, you can't have the unit completely unpowered whilest you do this. The battery is still live. Don't touch any of the shiny solder points unless you are willing to risk damage to the unit.

2. The battery is attached to the back panel and is connected to the mainboard by a quick release type of connector. You *don't* have to remove the battery to be able to read the information on the front of it, but if you need to supply dimensions to someone you will have to remove it. I don't know if it is glued in place, or merely clipped by plastic retainers.

3. Do not remove the little metal disk just above the battery. This is your speaker, and it requires contact to the back panel to operate.

4. It would be a good idea to do this over some sort of soft surface - as if you drop the unit inadvertently it would be bad. If you don't have access to an anti-static rubber mat, a towel would be a reasonable cheap subtitute. Make sure you discharge static or otherwise ground yourself. Ask a techie friend how to do this if you are not positive.

Otherwise best of luck!

Tucson Sailors

Just remember, if you unplug the battery, your data is lost and
it's like doing a hard reset!

__________________
Rick

www.visorsolutions.com