Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 4

I need some help figuring out how these batteries work on the Palm PDA's. I take it most (if not all) Palm-based PDA's run off regular AAA batteries. When these die out, do you loose ALL your memory? While changing the batteries, when you take out the old ones, doesn't this cause your PDA to reset completely?

And are there any Palm's that support removable/rechargable
batteries?

Thanks,
Leo

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Redwood City CA
Posts: 472

quote:

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Originally posted by Pocket-Leo
I need some help figuring out how these batteries work on the Palm PDA's. I take it most (if not all) Palm-based PDA's run off regular AAA batteries.

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Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 47

Leo, if you allow your batteries to run completely down, and don't change them right away, you can lose everything on the Visor. But it's simple to re-install your apps, and the next time you sync all the data comes back.
- I just wait for the alert "batteries runing low, sync now to avoid data loss", then I sync and cgange batteries.
- Several times I've left mine on the shelf for a few days and have come back to find the batteries totally dead. Took all of 10 minutes to re-load the apps.
- not a really big deal - just a minor pain.

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 4

How long do the batteries last on the Handspring? It's got to be expensive replacing those batteries every 12 hrs (unless you buy rechargable AAA)! They should make a battery-springboard!

Thanks,
Leo

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Alive and well on VisorCentral.com
Posts: 861

Battery Life

I get about two weeks on NiMH batteries, more or less, depends on the amount of times I hot sync, usually once a day), cheap RAYOVAC Alkaline's can go for up to a month, or more. I put in a fresh pair before I went on my honeymoon, came back two weeks later, the visor didn't die and had plenty of juice to spare, of course it wasn't used for two weeks, so the power drain was minimal.. I also turned off all the alarms and etc during that time.. Hotsyncs really kill the batteries as well as the backlight (I also refrain from using the backlight as well). I also have AvantGo installed and a zillion web pages so my hotsyncs can take a few minutes (again kills batteries). I also keep my IR beam turned off, and only put it on when needed, I was once told it can also drain extra power. Another suggestion to me was not to keep it in the cradle, apparently it will use power just sitting in it.

I would suggest you buy 2 sets (4 AAA's) NiMH batteries and a charger. I rotate my pair. I also use regular AAA's when I happen across them at work (if I am getting low on power).

NiMH's are a bit more expensive than NiCad's but they will last longer, give more power, and not suffer from memory effects that plague ni-cads. Also NiMH are more enviromentally sound (if that sort of thing concerns you).
You can recharge NiMH's 1000's of times.

There are several excellent battery monitoring programs, I use RunTime and BatteryInfo. Runtime will give you a graphical chart and an average time you are getting on your batteries. BatteryInfo will let you change the battery settings on your Visor, NiMH isn't an option so I use the NiCad setting. Also it will let you adjust the voltage warning levels.

I just got a MiniJam, so it will be interesting to see how it affects battery life.. Springboard modules will also affect battery life. The backup module didn't seem to impact battery life that much.

When you change your batteries, you do have a few minutes, but I wouldn't chance it, I have the new pair ready to go before I even pop the battery cover.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Redwood City CA
Posts: 472

quote:

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Originally posted by Pocket-Leo
How long do the batteries last on the Handspring? It's got to be expensive replacing those batteries every 12 hrs (unless you buy rechargable AAA)!

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Registered: Feb 2000
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 290

Re: Battery Life

quote:

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Originally posted by EricG
Another suggestion to me was not to keep it in the cradle, apparently it will use power just sitting in it.

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