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My new VDX is going through new batteries ***once a week***! I'm used to changing my batteries using a Palm III and a GoType! every three weeks with heavy use. I'm wondering if the Stowaway is draining the batteries. Or is it the 8MB module? Anyone else having a problem like me? It just seems that I see my battery level go down significantly when I use the keyboard.

Thanks,

Brad

Stowaway battery drain

I had the same problem. The Stowaway software is causing the drain. You have to make sure the "Enable Stowaway" box is NOT checked (unless you're using the keyboard). If you don't, you'll lose your batteries in a couple of days. The Visor will turn on for no apparent reason, and it will stay on for several hours unless you turn it off. After going through several sets of batteries since buying my Stowaway, I am now fairly well trained to check the "Enable Stowaway" box. The box also will check itself if you do a soft reset.

rfs

Try this...

Try downloading and installing the driver update from targus' site. I think it fixes that.

I have never ever had this problem with my stowaway or the driver. I use mine all the time.

Re: Stowaway battery drain

quote:

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Originally posted by rfs
I had the same problem. The Stowaway software is causing the drain. You have to make sure the "Enable Stowaway" box is NOT checked (unless you're using the keyboard). If you don't, you'll lose your batteries in a couple of days. The Visor will turn on for no apparent reason, and it will stay on for several hours unless you turn it off. After going through several sets of batteries since buying my Stowaway, I am now fairly well trained to check the "Enable Stowaway" box. The box also will check itself if you do a soft reset.

rfs

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Re: Try this...

quote:

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Originally posted by Lacutis
Try downloading and installing the driver update from targus' site. I think it fixes that.

I have never ever had this problem with my stowaway or the driver. I use mine all the time.

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You know, my Visor eats through batteries quicky too, and I was shocked at first (where's my month of life?), but I relized that I had filled my 8 megs and pull the darn thing out every 10 min, so bad batt. is just something I have to get used to.

I have been using my visor moderately to heavy for the last three months. I have 200K of free space, I also have the Targus keyboard.

My batteries last on average 2 to 3 weeks, and I don't notice any drain when I use the keyboard.

Hope that helps.

Stowaway draining batteries

Well, I installed the new Targus driver but then found the Visor "on" after I had let it sit for a couple of hours with the "Enable Stowaway" box checked, so I guess the new driver has the same problem with my machine. This particular set of batteries was installed on Nov. 5, so they've had a pretty good run. If I get three weeks out of them, I'm happy.

I'm thinking of switching to rechargeables. Anyone had good/bad luck with them?

Using new driver

I'm currently using the new driver and keeping the "enable keyboard" unchecked. I have also used the keyboard less. So far the batteries I installed last Friday is at 70%, so it looks like at least these batteries just may last me longer than 6 days this time.

It is a pain to have to keep enabling and disabling the keyboard software, though.

Someone mentioned about having 200k free space out of 8MB--am I to assume that the more memory space that is used, the more battery life it requires? And also as this relates to the 8MB memory module?

Stowaway draining batteries

One other thing: The problem doesn't seem to arise when the Visor is actually connected to the keyboard. (Of course, I may be wrong about this.) So the battery drain happens only when the box is checked and the Visor is loose -- I think.

I have no idea how battery life is affected by the amount of material stored on the Visor. I haven't noticed any difference. Mine is about half full because I have the Noah Lite dictionary on there.

rfs

Re: Stowaway draining batteries

quote:

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Originally posted by rfs
One other thing: The problem doesn't seem to arise when the Visor is actually connected to the keyboard. (Of course, I may be wrong about this.) So the battery drain happens only when the box is checked and the Visor is loose -- I think.
rfs

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You may have a defective visor, I havent used my keyboard in over a week and my batteries have only changed a couple of percent through normal use....

I emailed Targus about the problem and here's part of their response:

quote:

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Thank you for your inquiry. We are aware of the battery drain problem and are looking into solutions at this time. I believe it will be addressed in the next driver release.

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