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-- POLL: Cradle recharging? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=1127)

I've been reading this board for a month or so now and as I see it, there are several main concerns regarding the current Visor Deluxe are well covered(I'm not including Handspring's problems here, just the unit design itself):

(1) Crappy stock stylus is universally recognized
(2) Cover is more of a nuisance than help
(3) Screen's succeptibility to scratches
(3) Lack of flash upgradable ROM

I have been wanting someone to address the one issue that I think that I'd care most about:

(Q) Battery life. And the lack of a rechargable power source that recharges in the cradle.

As I see it, you can get another stylus, buy screen protectors, dump the lid and get a good case and remember that only 5% of Palm users ever really upgraded their ROMS... but the battery issue can really be a nuisance and even a cause for data loss (without the backup).

So is anyone out there designing a battery pack and cradle add-on or replacement to offer rechargable power out of the cradle?

What's everyone think?

A few months ago the plans for modifying the cradle and Visor to recharge batteries made the rounds. The original Palm version can be found at http://www.ibr.cs.tu-bs.de/~harbaum/pilot/cradle.html
Searching VisorCentral for NiMH or cradle may retrieve the Visor specific modifactions needed.

I've built two for my Visor and and now enjoy the best of both worlds. The convenience of always having a fully charged Visor AND the versatility of using regulare AAA batteries in a pinch. Plus the ability to replace the rechargeable batteries when they wear out. I rather like this approuch better than relying solely on a built-in battery, like the Palm V series (at least the IIIc's rechargeable battery is removeable with some dissembly). But I accept the limitations of a shorter battery life between charges and the eventual replacement of warn out rechargeables. All batteries , regardless of type, have their own drawbacks. Rechargeables are not for everyone.

On the subject of modifying a visor for charging, how safe is it. IE--Will I fry a board in the process, or otherwise render my $250 BVD useless? Furthermore, will handspring void the warrenty if you do this?

And I'm trying to divine what is wrong with NiMH AAA batteries (two sets) and an external charger?

I too prefer the flexibility of being able to swap out batteries as needed, and I certainly like the greater reliability you get by avoiding the built-in rechargeables - - strikes against the Palm V series and the IIIc.

[This message has been edited by yucca (edited 03-09-2000).]

Yucca, well I'm not saying that this isn't a good work-around, but the real question is... wouldn't it just be easier to have the rechargable power *integrated*?

There are a lot of posts showing concern about the stock stylus and about screen scratches... people can buy a replacement stylus and some screen protectors, but it's a question of... "come'on Handspring R&D, how hard would it be to _________?".

Hmmm... If it was only a built-in Li battery only, I would rather have AAA's any day. I'm thinking specifically of long trips. With an extra set of batteries and a backup module, you're all set. With Li you'll need the cradle, and something to plug the cradle into. (On the other hand, somebody is now selling a very small charger for the Palm V that works off a 9 Volt battery.)


------------------
Eugene Hsieh
Editor, VisorCentral FAQ
Come visit my homepage.

Palm went with the rechargeables because it was the only way to miniturize (in the case of the V series) or to support the power demands of color (in the case of the IIIc). I'm guessing that the convenience of the built-in battery was just a bonus. So, Corky. Hang in there. I'm sure that when Visor goes color they will have no choice; they'll have to go to the built-in rechargeable battery.

For my "ruggerdized Visor" project, I am looking at NiMH prismatic cells, commonly known as "gumpack" batteries, used in high end walkmans and MD portables. They are a bit more expensive but they do have good shelf life.

The battery will be recharged in the cradle. I will also build a add on battery pack that allows the use of regular AAAs in a clitch, much like how the MDs are designed. Internal battery does have its charms, as I want to be able to waterproof the thing (looking at building this for marine biology applications).

Hey, I regard AAA batteries as a PLUS! I keep an extra set in my desk drawer at work, and another set in my purse. So I'm prepared at any time to be fully charged. Compared to my cell phone -- which has to be plugged in at home, with its cradle. I often remember about recharging it -- but usually when I'm somewhere other than home! Then I'm just stuck. Wish I could just stick in some new AAA's and be off and running! BTW, I buy the AAA's at Costco in bulk, since my husband and I both have Visors. But we've had good battery life and I don't feel we've needed new batteries too often.